Mozambique secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Gabon in Agadir to claim their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, ending a run of 16 games without a win at the tournament.
The win gives Chiquinho Conde’s side a strong chance of reaching the knockout stage for the first time, while it is a big setback for Gabon after they also lost their opening Group F match to Cameroon.
Faisal Bangal’s header from a corner and Geny Catamo’s penalty seemed to put Mozambique in control, but Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a rebound just before halftime to pull one back.
Diogo Calila’s header early in the second half restored Mozambique’s two-goal lead, before Alex Moucketou-Moussounda scored from a loose ball after a corner for Gabon.
The last 20 minutes were intense, with both teams pushing hard for a winner in a gripping finish.
Mozambique, ranked 102nd in the world, sit third in Group F, level on points with leaders Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who face each other later on Sunday. Gabon must beat Ivory Coast in their final match to stay in contention, while Mozambique will take on Cameroon in Agadir.
