Mozambique will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on 5 December, after progressing from Group F despite a 2-1 defeat by Cameroon.
The Mambas advanced as one of the tournament’s best-performing third-placed teams, while Cameroon sealed qualification for the knockout stages with a hard-fought victory in Agadir.
Fresh from claiming their first-ever win at an AFCON finals by beating Gabon on Sunday, Mozambique knew another positive result would guarantee progression.
It was Cameroon, however, who began on the front foot, with Christian Kofane heading wide from close range and Danny Namaso forcing a sharp save from Ivane Urrubal.
Photo Credit: AFP
Kofane missed further chances as the first half wore on, while at the other end Devis Epassy denied Gildo Vilanculos. After an entertaining opening 20 minutes, Mozambique stunned the Indomitable Lions by taking the lead when Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo curled a sublime strike into the bottom corner from outside the area.
Cameroon responded swiftly and were level five minutes later as Nené inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after Frank Magri’s effort struck the post.
David Pagou’s side carried their momentum into the second half and took the lead in the 55th minute, when Kofane fired a spectacular long-range effort beyond Urrubal via the underside of the crossbar.
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The Indomitable Lions continued to press in the final stages, with Urrubal producing a fine save to deny Kofane a second goal.
Photo Credit: AFP
Cameroon also missed a gilt-edged chance to seal the contest late on, as substitute Karl Etta Eyong miscued with the goal at his mercy, before João Bonde wasted a promising opening for Mozambique at the other end.
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Cameroon held on to secure the win, but a late Ivory Coast goal against Gabon meant they finished second in Group F. Mozambique’s results were enough to see them through, setting up a last-16 meeting with Nigeria in the 5th of January 2026.
