Mozambique earned their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) win in the 17th match in their history at the tournament with victory over Gabon in Agadir to move level with Ivory Coast and Cameroon at the top of Group F.
Faisal Bangal headed in Geny Catamo’s corner before the provider converted a penalty during a first half in which Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave his side hope by pouncing during added time.
Full-back Diogo Calila capitalised on Witi’s excellent run and cross to nod Gabon two goals ahead again shortly after the restart, with Aubameyang then slotting in from close range to set up a thrilling finale.
Gabon now must beat holders Ivory Coast in their final match of the group stage in Marrakech on Wednesday (19:00 GMT) to have a credible chance of reaching the last 16.
Mozambique take on five-time champions Cameroon at the same time in Agadir, knowing they will have a chance of going through as one of the best third-placed teams even if they cannot cause a surprise.
With minutes to go, Moussounda sparks a momentum shift for Gabon. 🇬🇦🤩#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/c2fvbj2F8S
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 28, 2025
Gabon vs Mozambique: Aubameyang’s side lose again
Mozambique, who lost their opener 1-0 to Ivory Coast, miscued from several promising positions inside the box before deservedly going ahead eight minutes from half-time, Bangal leaping unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box to score with a precise header.
Gabon’s predicament worsened two minutes later when veteran centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga clearly pulled the shirt of Domingues – making his first of the finals – at the expense of a penalty.
Catamo calmly stroked in the spot kick for a side creating opportunities at will, almost extending their lead when Witi curled a sublime effort against the woodwork during first-half added time, with Guima sending the rebound over the target from close range.
Aubameyang, who came on as an early substitute after being an injury doubt in his side’s 1-0 opening defeat to Cameroon, then replied after Ernan could not hold a thunderous swerving shot from long range by Didier Ndong, returning to his feet rapidly but not before the country’s all time scorer had pounced to fire in seconds before half-time.
Captain Manga, who was booked for his challenge on Domingues, was replaced by Mick Omfia in a triple change by Gabon at half-time, right-back Anthony Oyono and winger Shavy Babicka also making way for Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and Royce Openda, who had started Gabon’s first match.
Moucketou-Moussounda was swiftly chasing Witi’s shadow as the inspired wideman produced a flourish of trickery and burst past into space on the left to curl an inviting cross to the far post, where Calila raced in unmarked to bounce a header into the turf and into the back of the net.
Aubameyang could not follow suit at the other end soon afterwards, diving in to glance LAFC record scorer Denis Bouanga’s delivery wide as Gabon toiled, but they set up a tension-packed finish by finally beating Ernan with 14 minutes remaining.
The goalkeeper dived one way and the other in a double save to turn shots by Mario Lemina and Jacques Ekomie away, then stopped Royce Openda’s fierce drive following the ensuing corner, only for Moucketou-Moussounda to steer in the rebound.
Ernan went down injured several times with Gabon peppering his goal in pursuit of an equaliser, saving a Lemina header before receiving treatment and limping with added time looming.
A Catamo strike was ruled out by an offside decision against Gildo Lourenco as the clock ticked past 90 minutes, drawing a broad smile from the Sporting winger while the celebrations died down inside Mozambique’s technical area.
Kanga shot over deep into added time before Gabon, who were forced to leave ample space open at the back, were indebted to Loyce Mbaba when Catamo closed in on goal and had his finish repelled by the goalkeeper’s foot.
Gabon team vs Mozambique
Gabon sprang a surprise by making two changes in the 33rd minute against Cameroon and both of the players who came on started this time.
Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina had been an injury doubt to face the Indomitable Lions, as had Marseille forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is his country’s top scorer.
Of the duo to make way for the pair on that occasion, Teddy Averlant was on the bench against Mozambique, while Eric Bocoum was not in the squad.
Midfielder Guelor Kanga and winger Shavy Babicka also came in for centre-back Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and wideman Royce Openda.
Gabon starting XI: Loyce Mbaba, Anthony Oyono, Bruno Ecuele Manga, Mario Lemina, Jacques Ekomie, Andre Poko, Didier Ndong, Guelor Kanga, Shavy Babicka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga
Gabon substitutes: Anse Ngoubi, Aaron Appindangoyé, Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, Johann Obiang, Malick Evouna, Clench Loufilou, Mick Omfia, Samake Nze, Francois Bekale, Jeremy Oyono, Jonathan Do Marcolino, Yannis M’Bemba, Edlin Essang-Matouti, Teddy Averlant, Royce Openda
Mozambique starting line-up vs Gabon
Mozambique made two changes, introducing forward Faizal Bangal for Manuel Kambala in midfield and Domingues for Stanley Ratifo in attack.
Mozambique starting XI: Ernan Siluane, Diogo Calila, Mexer, Reinildo Mandava, Bruno Langa, Geny Catamo, Guima, Domingues, Alfons Amade, Witi, Faizal Bangal
Mozambique substitutes: Infren Matola, Nene, Chamboco, Manuel Kambala, Edmilson Dove, Joao Bonde, Kimiss, Stanley Ratifo, Oscar, Gildo Lourenço, Keyns Abdala, Ivan Urrubal, Melque, Chamito
How to watch AFCON 2025: TV channel, live online stream
In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
Gabon AFCON 2025 squad
Goalkeepers: Francois Bekale (Hafia), Loyce Mbaba (Stella d’Adjame), Demba Anse Ngoubi (Mosta).
Defenders: Aaron Appindangoye (Sivasspor), Jonathan do Marcolino (Bourg-en-Bresse), Jacques Ekomie (Angers), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Paris 13 Atletico), Johan Obiang (Orleans), Mick Omfia (Hafia), Anthony Oyono (Frosinone), Jeremy Oyono (Frosinone), Alex Moucketou-Moussounda (Aris Limassol), Uri-Michel Mboula (Metz)
Midfielders: Samake Nze Bagnama (Stade Abdijan), Eric Bocoum (Gol Gohar), Guelor Kanga (Esenler Erokspor), Mario Lemina (Galatasaray), Didier Ndong (Esteghlal), Andre Biyogo Poko (Amed), Clench Louficou (Al Minaa)
Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille), Teddy Averlant (Amiens), Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), Edlin Randy Essang Matouti (Khenchela), Shavy Babicka (Crvena Zvezda), Royce Openda (Bordeaux), Jim Allevinah (Angers), Malick Evouna (Mangasport)
Mozambique AFCON 2025 squad
Goalkeepers: Ernan (Black Bulls), Ivane Urrubal (Ferroviario Nacala), Kimiss Zavala (Maritimo)
Defenders: Bruno Langa (Pafos, Cyprus), Oscar (UD Songo), Diogo Calila (Santa Clara), Nanani (UD Songo),Edmilson Dove (Al Quwa Al Jawiya), Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland), Mexer (Keciorengucu), Chamboco (Black Bulls), Nené (Abu Salim)
Midfielders: Dominguez (UD Songo), Alfonso Amade (Dunfermline Athletic), Manuel Kambala (Polokwane City), Keyns Abdala (Chaves), Joao Bonde (Ferroviário da Beira), Guima (Zira FC)
Forwards: Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon), Faizal Bangal (AC Mestre), Witi (Nacional), Gildo Vilanculos (Tadamon Sour), Chamito Alfandega (AC Viseu), Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig), Melque (UD Songo)
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What are the host cities for AFCON 2025?
Agadir – Grand Stade d’Agadir (capacity – 41,144)
Casablanca – Complexe Sportif Mohammed V (45,000)
Fes – Complexe Sportif de Fes (35,468)
Marrakech – Grand Stade de Marrakech (41,245)
Rabat – Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (69,500)
Rabat – Stade Al Barid (18,000)
Rabat – Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (21,000)
Rabat – Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay EL Hassan (22,000)
Tangier – Grand Stade de Tanger (75,600)
AFCON 2025 fixtures, full Africa Cup of Nations schedule
Sunday, December 21 2025
- Group A: Morocco 2-0 Comoros (Rabat)
Monday, December 22 2025
- Group A: Mali 1-1 Zambia (Casablanca)
- Group B: South Africa 2-1 Angola (Marrakech)
- Group B: Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe (Agadir)
Tuesday, December 23 2025
- Group D: Senegal 3-0 Botswana (Tangie)
- Group D: DR Congo 1-0 Benin (Rabat)
- Group C: Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania (Fes)
- Group C: Tunisia 3-1 Uganda (Rabat)
Wednesday, December 24 2025
- Group E: Burkina Faso 2-1 Equatorial Guinea (Casablanca)
- Group E: Algeria 3-0 Sudan (Rabat)
- Group F: Ivory Coast 1-0 Mozambique (Marrakech)
- Group F: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon (Agadir)
Friday, December 26 2025
- Group B: Angola 1-1 Zimbabwe (Marrakech)
- Group B: Egypt 1-0 South Africa (Agadir)
- Group A: Zambia 0-0 Comoros (Casablanca)
- Group A: Morocco 1-1 Mali (Rabat)
Saturday, December 27 2025
- Group D: Benin 1-0 Botswana (Rabat)
- Group D: Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Tangier)
- Group C: Uganda 1-1 Tanzania (Rabat)
- Group C: Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia (Fes)
Sunday, December 28 2025
- Group F: Gabon vs Mozambique (Agadir, 12:30)
- Group E: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan (Casablanca, 15:00)
- Group E: Algeria vs Burkina Faso (Rabat, 17:30)
- Group F: Ivory Coast vs Cameroon, (Marrakech, 20:00)
Monday, December 29 2025
- Group B: Angola vs Egypt (Agadir, 16:00)
- Group B: Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Marrakech, 16:00)
- Group A: Comoros vs Mali (Casablanca, 19:00)
- Group A: Zambia vs Morocco (Rabat, 19:00)
Tuesday, December 30 2025
- Group C: Tanzania vs Tunisia (Rabat, 16:00)
- Group C: Uganda vs Nigeria (Fes, 16:00)
- Group D: Benin vs Senegal (Tangier, 19:00)
- Group D: Botswana vs DR Congo (Rabat, 19:00)
Wednesday, December 31 2025
- Group E: Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria (Rabat, 16:00)
- Group E: Sudan vs Burkina Faso (Casablanca, 16:00)
- Group F: Gabon vs Ivory Coast (Marrakech, 19:00)
- Group F: Mozambique vs Cameroon (Agadir, 19:00)
Africa Cup of Nations 2025 round of 16
Saturday, January 3 2026
- SR1: Group D winners vs Group B/E/F third-place (Tangier, 16:00)
- SR2: Group A runners-up vs Group C runners-up (Casablanca, 19:00)
Sunday, January 4
- SR3: Group A winners vs Group C/D/E third-place (Rabat, 16:00)
- SR4: Group B runners-up vs Group F runners-up (Rabat, 19:00)
Monday, January 5
- SR5: Group B winners vs Group A/C/D third-place (Agadir, 6pm)
- SR6: Group C winners vs Group A/B/F third-place (Fes, 8:30pm)
Tuesday, January 6
- SR7: Group E winners vs Group D runners-up (Rabat 2, 6pm)
- SR8: Group F winners vs Group E runners-up (Marrakech, 8:30pm)
Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals
Friday, January 9
- QF1: Winner SR2 vs Winner SR1 (Tangier, 16:00)
- QF2: Winner SR4 vs Winner SR3 (Rabat, 19:00)
Saturday, January 10
- QF3: Winner SR7 vs Winner SR6 (Marrakech, 16:00)
- QF4: Winner SR5 vs Winner SR8 (Agadir, 19:00)
Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-finals
Wednesday, January 14
- SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF4 (Tangier, 17:00)
- SF2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF2 (Rabat, 20:00)
Africa Cup of Nations 2025 third-place match
Saturday, January 17
- SF1 vs SF2 losers (Casablanca, 16:00)
Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final
Sunday, January 18
- SF1 vs SF2 winners (Rabat, 19:00)