Chiquinho Conde became the first Mozambican manager to record a victory at the Africa Cup of Nations finals as the Mambas claimed a dramatic 3-2 Group F win over Gabon at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir.
After a cagey opening half-hour, the contest burst into life late in the first half as Mozambique surged into a two-goal lead.
The breakthrough came from a well-worked set-piece, with Geny Catamo delivering a dangerous ball into the area for Faisal Bangal to glance home from close range.
Moments later, Mozambique doubled their advantage when Domingues was hauled down in the box by Gabon defender Bruno Ecuele Manga. Catamo kept his composure from the penalty spot, converting confidently from 12 yards.
Diogo Calila celebates his first international goal for Mozambique agaisnt Gabon.Photo Credit: AFP
The Mambas came close to turning dominance into a commanding lead when Witi struck the crossbar, but instead they were pegged back before the break. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacted quickest to reduce the deficit with the final kick of the first half, ensuring Gabon went into the interval just one goal behind.
Any hopes of a Gabon comeback were dealt an early blow after the restart. Mozambique broke swiftly in behind the defence, with Witi picking out right-back Diogo Calila, who had ghosted into the area to nod a downward header past Loyce Mbaba and restore the two-goal cushion.
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Mozambique’s nerves were tested again 14 minutes from time when Alex Moucketou-Moussounda capitalised on a loose ball in the box to make it 3-2. Goalkeeper Hernani Siluane had produced a fine initial save, but the rebound fell kindly for Moucketou-Moussounda to set up a tense finish.
Despite late pressure, Mozambique held firm to secure victory at the 16th attempt in an AFCON finals match, marking a historic moment for Conde and his side.
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The result significantly boosts Mozambique’s qualification hopes, while Gabon remain bottom of Group F after suffering defeats in their opening two matches.
