Mozambique Historic AFCON 2025 Victory: A Maiden Win After 17 Attempts

It took 17 attempts, but Mozambique has finally arrived on the continental stage. Mozambique claimed their first-ever victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday, breathing fresh life into their 2025 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Gabon in Agadir.

Mozambique Historic AFCON 2025 Victory Over Gabon

According to news agencies, the Mambas stunned Gabon with two first-half goals. Faizal Bangal opened the scoring with a header, followed by a coolly converted penalty from Geny Catamo. Despite a goal from former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mozambique's Diogo Calila restored the two-goal lead, securing a win that ends a decades-long wait for the nation.

Algeria Clinches Last 16 Spot as Giants Draw

Algeria didn't break much of a sweat as they secured their place in the knockout stages. A clinical penalty from Riyad Mahrez in the 23rd minute was enough to see off Burkina Faso. It's a record-breaking time for Mahrez, who now holds the Algerian record for most AFCON goals with 9 career strikes.

Elsewhere in Group F, the heavyweight clash between Ivory Coast and Cameroon ended in a 1-1 draw. Amad Diallo put the Ivorians ahead, but Junior Tchamadeu equalized just five minutes later. Both teams now sit at the top of the group with 4 points each.

Sudan Ends Long Drought in Group E

Sudan also made headlines by grabbing their second victory in 18 matches at the tournament. An own goal by Equatorial Guinea's Saul Coco in the 74th minute gave Sudan a 1-0 win, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the next round for the first time in over a year or more accurately, since their 1970 triumph.