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Mozambique claim maiden Africa Cup of Nations win, Gabon on brink of exit

football28 December 2025 14:50| © Reuters
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Gabon are facing an early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after slipping to a 3-2 defeat to Mozambique in their Group F clash in Agadir, which ended a 40-year wait for a victory at the continental finals for the southern African side.

Gabon have now lost their opening two games while Mozambique have three points from their two fixtures, the same number as Ivory Coast and Cameroon, who meet later on Sunday. If that match ends in a draw, Gabon will be eliminated.

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Mozambique scored their goals via Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila in a deserved victory in which they were led by 42-year-old winger Elias Pelembe. It is their first win at the continental finals at the 17th attempt since their debut in 1986.

Gabon stayed in the contest to the end as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda netted goals, but back-to-back defeats mean their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 are hanging by a thread with a match against defending champions Ivory Coast to come on Wednesday.

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