Mozambique made history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Gabon, recording their first-ever win in AFCON history after nearly four decades of heartbreak. The match, played in Agadir, produced one of the most chaotic and unforgettable endings of the tournament, leaving fans stunned until the very last second.
With the clock ticking past the 90th minute and Mozambique holding a narrow 3–2 lead, tension filled the stadium as Gabon pushed desperately for an equaliser. What followed sparked viral reactions across social media, with fans comparing the moment to the magic of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi combined. The Mozambican player at the heart of the moment was Geny Catamo, the team’s standout performer on the night and eventual Man of the Match.
Catamo delivered an outstanding all-round display, using his pace, balance, and close control to torment Gabon’s defence throughout the game. His direct running from midfield repeatedly forced Gabonese players into mistakes, drawing comparisons online to classic solo runs associated with football’s greatest dribblers. Under the watchful eyes of Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Catamo’s confidence and fearlessness embodied Mozambique’s hunger to finally change their AFCON history.
The goals themselves underlined Mozambique’s discipline and efficiency. Faisal Bangal opened the scoring before Catamo calmly converted a penalty, showing nerves of steel on the biggest stage. Diogo Calila later added the decisive third goal, while Gabon responded through Aubameyang and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda to set up a nerve-shredding finale. Despite relentless pressure, Mozambique held firm until the final whistle confirmed a landmark victory that will be remembered for generations.
While social media clips exaggerated the moment into a “Maradona-style goal from midfield,” official match records confirm that Geny Catamo did not score a solo dribble goal, but his explosive runs, confidence on the ball, and leadership in the dying minutes were central to Mozambique’s historic triumph. The viral reaction reflects how emotionally powerful the moment was rather than a literal replay of a single goal.
Mozambique’s 3–2 win over Gabon ended a 39-year wait for success at the Africa Cup of Nations and instantly became one of the defining stories of AFCON 2025. Geny Catamo emerged as the face of that breakthrough — not just for his goal and assist, but for symbolising a new era of belief for Mozambican football.
