Sporting Clube de Portugal Winger Geny Catamo spoke with pride after helping Mozambique make history. Named Man of the Match following the Mambas’ thrilling 3–2 win over Gabon, the winger captured the moment as one of belief, hard work and hope.
“I am very proud to represent Mozambique and to have played my part in our first AFCON victory,” Catamo said. “This win should push us to work harder and bring more joy to our country.”
The result meant far more than three points. It ended a 16-match winless run at the Africa Cup of Nations and closed a wait of nearly 40 years.
At the Stade Adrar, Mozambique finally delivered a performance worthy of that long anticipation.
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Faizal Bangal opened the scoring in the 37th minute, rising to head in Catamo’s inviting cross.
Five minutes later, Catamo kept his nerve from the penalty spot after Dominguês was fouled, calmly sending the ball into the corner to make it 2–0.
Gabon responded in first-half stoppage time through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who pounced on a rebound to pull one back.
But Mozambique regained control early in the second half when Diogo Calila powered home a header from Witi’s cross to restore the two-goal cushion.
The Panthers pressed late, and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda’s close-range finish in the 86th minute set up a nervous ending.
Still, goalkeeper Ernan Siluane stood tall, making key saves to secure a famous win.
As the final whistle blew, Catamo turned his thoughts to the future.
“I ask the people to keep supporting us,” he said. “We believe we can go far, and we will keep pushing in this tournament.”
Stationed in Group F, Mozambique sit third on three points, one behind leaders Ivory Coast, and will face second placed Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in their final group match on Wednesday, December 31.
