The Mambas began the match with a challenging record, having drawn four and lost twelve since their first of six AFCON appearances in 1986.

Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo, and Diogo Calila secured a hard-fought victory for Mozambique, who led 2-1 at halftime in the Moroccan coastal city.

For Gabon, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moussounda scored twice halving two-goal deficits, but the team eventually suffered a second consecutive loss, following their defeat to Cameroon.

Defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon, set to face each other later on Sunday in Marrakesh, now share three points with Mozambique in the group standings.

Geny Catamo had the first clear-cut chance for Mozambique but was let down by poor control, allowing the ball to run too far ahead before goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba rushed out to claim it.

Despite being 24 places below Gabon in the FIFA rankings, Mozambique played with adventurous intent and deservedly took the lead in the 37th minute through Bangal, a striker plying his trade in Italy’s fourth division. Rising unchallenged from a corner, Bangal’s header bounced off the ground into the left corner of the net, leaving Mbaba helpless.

Just five minutes later, Mozambique extended their lead after Bruno Ecuele Manga pulled the shirt of Elias 'Domingues' Pelembe in a clash between the captains. Catamo calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending the ball into the left corner as Mbaba dived the wrong way.

The Mambas came close to scoring again when Witiness 'Witi' Quembo curled a shot from outside the box that struck the woodwork, keeping Gabon in check.

Gabon pulled one back five minutes into first-half stoppage time through Aubameyang, the 36-year-old Marseille striker and 2015 African Player of the Year, who tapped the ball home after Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane failed to secure a Didier Ndong shot.

Mozambique restored a two-goal advantage in the 52nd minute when Portugal-based right-back Diogo Calila ventured forward to head home a Witi cross, while Aubameyang missed a subsequent chance from close range. Veteran Domingues, 42, the second-oldest player in AFCON history, was substituted for defensive midfielder Manuel Kambala midway through the second half.

Slivane made superb saves from Aubameyang and Ndong, but a later corner led to a scramble that ended with Moussounda firing into the net in the 76th minute, setting up a tense finale that Mozambique managed to hold until the final whistle.

F. Bangal

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