AFCON 2025 Roundup: Mozambique Ends 40-Year Wait With Win Over Gabon As Mahrez Fires Algeria Into The Knockout

‎The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continued to deliver gripping football, as Mozambique made history, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon shared the spoils in a heavyweight clash, Algeria advanced into the knockout stages, and Sudan secured a crucial late win.

‎Mozambique Breaks Four-Decade Drought With Famous Win Over Gabon

‎Mozambique produced one of the biggest stories of the tournament as they ended a 40-year wait for a win at the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Gabon 3–2 in Agadir.

‎The Mambas, who had not tasted victory since their AFCON debut in 1986, were inspired by the leadership of 42-year-old Elias Pelembe, whose composure and experience steadied the team during key phases of the game.

‎Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo, and Diogo Calila capped a spirited performance that showed Mozambique’s progress and resilience. Their attacking intent was rewarded, and despite occasional defensive lapses, they fully deserved the three points.

‎Gabon, however, did not go quietly. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck to give his side hope, and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda added a second, but the Panthers’ late push wasn’t enough.

‎Back-to-back defeats sealed their elimination from the tournament, bringing a disappointing end to what had been a promising qualifying campaign.

‎Mozambique, now on three points, remains alive in Group F and could still dream of a historic place in the Round of 16.

‎Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon Battle to a Fierce Draw

‎In Marrakech, two continental giants, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, faced off in a bruising, high-stakes encounter that ended in a 1–1 stalemate.

‎Amad Diallo, Manchester United’s rising star, continued his excellent form, scoring for the second straight match. His composed finish in the 51st minute showcased both precision and maturity beyond his years.

‎But Cameroon responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, full-back Junior Tchamadeu unleashed a strike that took a heavy deflection off Ghislain Konan, wrong-footing the goalkeeper.

‎The effort was officially recorded as an own goal, but the momentum shift belonged fully to the Indomitable Lions.

‎The draw keeps both teams on four points, joint top of Group F. While the result eliminates Gabon, it sets up a dramatic final round of group matches for the remaining contenders.

‎Riyad Mahrez Fires Algeria Into the Knockout Rounds

‎Algeria confirmed their status as tournament frontrunners with a composed 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso in their Group E showdown in Marrakech.

‎The lone goal came from Riyad Mahrez, who converted a 20th-minute penalty after Rayan Aït-Nouri was brought down by Ismahila Ouédraogo. Mahrez calmly sent goalkeeper Hervé Koffi the wrong way, extending his record as Algeria’s all-time top scorer at the AFCON, with nine goals across multiple editions.

‎Having scored twice in their opening win against Sudan, Mahrez is now the leading scorer of AFCON 2025, showing his importance to Djamel Belmadi’s side.

‎Burkina Faso nearly found an equaliser before the break when Pierre Kaboré hit the post with a close-range header. They continued to threaten through Lassina Traoré, whose late effort was brilliantly saved by Luca Zidane, son of legendary French midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

‎With six points and an unassailable head-to-head advantage, Algeria has already secured top spot in Group E.

‎Sudan Claims Late Win After Dramatic Own Goal Against Equatorial Guinea

‎In Casablanca, Sudan captured a vital 1–0 victory over Equatorial Guinea thanks to a late, unfortunate own goal.

‎A dangerous Mohamed Eisa free-kick in the 74th minute caused chaos in the penalty area. Equatorial Guinea defender Luís Asué attempted to clear the ball, only for it to rebound off teammate Saúl Coco, looping past goalkeeper Jesús Owono.

‎The win gives Sudan their first points of the tournament and keeps their faint hopes of progression alive.