Gabon and Mozambique will aim to get their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns back on track when they clash in a crucial Group F encounter at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir. Both sides suffered narrow 1-0 defeats in their opening matches—Gabon to Cameroon and Mozambique to defending champions Ivory Coast—leaving them eager to bounce back.
Match Preview: Gabon Look to Bounce Back
The Gabonese Panthers entered the tournament with confidence, having gone six consecutive matches unbeaten in regulation time prior to their opener (W4, D2). However, a tight 1-0 loss to Cameroon highlighted their finishing struggles, with the side failing to convert any of their 12 shots on target.
Coach Thierry Mouyouma will be particularly concerned by the team’s inability to score, having found the net in their last four pre-tournament fixtures. Against Mozambique, who have struggled for form themselves, Gabon will be confident of securing a positive result.
Previous meetings further tilt the odds in Gabon’s favour—they have won three of the last four encounters against Mozambique.
Mozambique Look for Historic First Win
The Mambas of Mozambique enter the match as clear underdogs. The Southern African nation has yet to win a match at AFCON finals, stretching back 16 games since their debut almost 40 years ago in Egypt.
Coach Chiquinho Conde knows that defensive improvements are critical; his side has conceded eight goals in their last four matches. A positive result against Gabon could provide a much-needed boost and a stepping stone toward making history by progressing beyond the group stage.
Team Form
Gabon (AFCON 2025): L
Gabon (All Competitions): W D W W L L
Mozambique (AFCON 2025): L
Mozambique (All Competitions): L W L D L L
Team News and Possible Lineups
Gabon surprised many by leaving out former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the starting XI against Cameroon; he came on in the 33rd minute. Midfielder Mario Lemina also started on the bench. Both players could be involved from the start as Gabon chase their first points.
Gabon (Possible XI): Mbaba; Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Mouckettou-Mossounda, Ekomia; Openda, Poko, Ndong; Aubameyang, Bouanga, Lemina
Mozambique, meanwhile, are expected to stick with the same lineup that lost narrowly to Ivory Coast. Hernani Siluane is likely to start in goal, with Manuel Kambala orchestrating play from midfield and Witi leading the attack.
Mozambique (Possible XI): Siluane; Diogo Calila, Mexer, Mandava, Langa; Kambala; Catamo, Amade, Guima, Ratifo; Witi
Prediction: Tight Encounter Expected
Both sides are desperate for points, suggesting a cautious but competitive encounter. Chances may be limited as each team looks to avoid defeat, and a stalemate appears likely.
Prediction: Gabon 1-1 Mozambique
