AFCON 2025: PSL Legend Pelembe Leads Mambas to Historic Win

The Mambas finally ended their 16-match winless run on the continental stage with a spirited 3–2 victory over Gabon in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Adrar and fittingly, it was a PSL legend who played a decisive role.

Skipper Dominguês Pelembe, a household name in South African football, rolled back the years with a captain’s performance. His clever movement inside the box drew a foul from Bruno Ecuele Manga, winning Mozambique a crucial penalty in the 42nd minute. Rising star Geny Catamo made no mistake, calmly slotting home to double the lead after Faizal Bangal had earlier opened the scoring with a header.

Gabon pulled one back just before halftime through veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Mozambique restored their cushion when Diogo Calila powered in a header early in the second half.

With the Mambas holding firm, coach Chiquinho Conde turned to his bench in the 63rd minute, bringing on Kambala to replace skipper Pelembe. The substitution added fresh legs in midfield as Mozambique dug deep to protect their advantage.

Although Gabon’s Alex Moussounda struck late to set up a tense finale, Mozambique’s goalkeeper Ernan Siluane produced a string of vital saves to secure the historic win, their first at the Africa Cup of Nations in nearly four decades.

Post-match reaction

Geny Catamo (Man of the Match):

“I am very proud to represent Mozambique and to have made my contribution to Mozambique’s first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. We are proud of this win. I hope this victory will cause us to keep working and bring more wins to our country. I ask the people to continue supporting us. We can go far, and our mindset is to keep pushing on in this tournament.”