By Oni Ladounette Ondesa,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Mozambique’s “Mambas” have finally shed their status as continental bridesmaids, securing a historic first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory with a pulsating 3-2 triumph over Gabon.
The victory, secured under the intense floodlights of Stade Adrar, marks the Mambas’ first-ever win in the Africa Cup of Nations, ending a 39-year, 16-match drought that had plagued the Southern African nation since their debut in 1986.
The Mambas signaled their intent early, absorbing Gabon’s initial pressure before striking a double blow that stunned the Panthers. In the 37th minute, Faizal Bangal exploited a lapse in Gabon’s zonal marking, rising highest to meet a Geny Catamo corner and burying a powerful header into the top-left corner.
The momentum swung further in Mozambique’s favor just two minutes later. Veteran Gabonese defender Bruno Ecuele Manga committed a clumsy foul in the area on Dominguês, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Geny Catamo showcased elite composure, dispatching the resulting penalty with a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Gabon found a lifeline deep into first-half stoppage time when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacted quickest to a loose ball in the six-yard box, halving the deficit and providing the Panthers with a glimmer of hope heading into the interval.
Any thoughts of a Gabonese comeback were dampened just seven minutes after the restart. Witi delivered a searching cross from the flank that found Diogo Calila unmarked. The wing-back’s downward header gave the goalkeeper no chance, restoring Mozambique’s two-goal cushion.
Gabon manager Thierry Mouyouma responded with a triple substitution, shifting to an aggressive 4-3-3 formation to salvage the game. The pressure told in the 76th minute when Alex Moucketou-Moussounda pounced on a goal-mouth scramble following a corner to make it 3-2.
The final quarter-hour was a test of Mozambique’s mettle. Despite seven minutes of agonizing added time and a late barrage from Mario Lemina and André Poko, Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane produced a string of world-class saves to preserve the lead. Siluane’s heroics, combined with a disciplined low block, ensured the Mambas held firm under immense aerial pressure.
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations across the pitch as Mozambique secured three points that will be etched into the nation’s sporting folklore.
For Gabon, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, while the Mambas now head into their final group fixture against Cameroon with the wind in their sails and history in their hands.
A win sends them to the round of 16
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