Mozambique Breaks the Duck, Wins First Afcon Match in 17 Attempts

The Mozambique national football team ended their 16-game winless drought in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as they handed Gabon a 2-3 defeat in their second match of the group stages (Group F). Faisal Bangal opened the scoring for Mozambique in the 37th minute, heading home a brilliant cross from Geny Catamo.

Five minutes later, Dominguez was fouled in the penalty area, resulting in a spot kick for the Mozambique national football team. Catamo stepped up to calmly finish it in the bottom corner to double the lead for his team. Gabon pulled one back through a strike from Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang just before stoppage time, making him one of the oldest strikers to have scored in the AFCON.

However, Mozambique pulled things back after the first half, as Diego Calila's header in the 52nd minute from a cross from Witi restored the Mozambique national football team two-goal cushion. Gabon responded with substitutions of Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and Royce Openda to try to earn at least a point from the game. Their efforts paid dividends as Moucketou-Moussounda scored from close range following a corner in the 86th minute.

The Mozambique goalkeeper stood his ground and thwarted efforts from the Gabon national team to keep the lead intact for his team. The final whistle sent the team into jubilation, as the scoreline secured the first win for Mozambique in AFCON after a run of 17 games.

Later, Sporting Lisbon midfielder Geny Catamo spoke at the post-match presser, where he expressed that he felt extremely proud of being a part of this historic Mozambique win vs Gabon. He further encouraged the people of his country to keep supporting the team as they want to push further in this tournament.