Thirty-nine years. Seventeen matches. Zero victories. That was the weight Mozambique carried into their AFCON 2025 clash against Gabon in Agadir. When the final whistle blew on a dramatic 3-2 triumph, decades of frustration dissolved into pure, unbridled joy.
A Nation's Long Wait Ends
Since their continental debut in 1986, Mozambique had become synonymous with heartbreak. Four draws, twelve defeats—a record that seemed immutable. Even a 42-year-old winger, Elias Pelembe, known affectionately as Domingues, was playing, his international career spanning almost two decades of near-misses.
"Today was a historic day," coach Chiquinho Conde declared, his voice thick with emotion. "People said Mozambique would never win a match, but we proved them wrong. This victory is for everyone who believed."
How They Did It
The Mambas struck first through Faisal Bangal's 37th-minute header, rising unmarked to meet Geny Catamo's corner. Five minutes later, Catamo converted from the spot after captain Pelembe was fouled inside the box.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, playing despite fitness concerns, pulled one back just before half-time—a poacher's finish that threatened to unravel Mozambique's dream.
But Diogo Calila restored the two-goal cushion early in the second half, venturing forward from right-back to head home Witi's cross. It was his first international goal, arriving at the most opportune moment.
The Drama Continues
Gabon refused to surrender. Alex Moucketou-Moussounda scrambled home from close range in the 76th minute, setting up a nerve-shredding finale. Aubameyang squandered chances; keeper Ernan Siluane made crucial saves; the minutes crawled by.
When Catamo thought he'd sealed victory with a fourth goal, it was ruled out for offside. Mozambique would have to suffer until the end.
What This Means for Group F
The result transforms the group dynamics. Mozambique now sit on three points, level with Ivory Coast and Cameroon before their later meeting. Gabon, with back-to-back defeats, are eliminated.
The Mambas face Cameroon on December 31st with genuine hope of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Heroes Emerge
Catamo, the Sporting Lisbon winger, was outstanding—a goal, an assist, and constant threat. But this was a collective triumph. Pelembe, playing possibly his final major tournament, marshalled the attack with veteran guile. The defense, so often Mozambique's weakness, stood firm when required.
In a tournament of firsts—the first winter AFCON, Morocco's first hosting since 1988—Mozambique's breakthrough feels fitting. Some records are meant to be broken.
Watch the highlights on CAF TV's official YouTube channel.