Group F of AFCON 2025 has provided some of the tournament’s most captivating football, with drama, late goals, and tactical battles shaping a fiercely competitive group. After two rounds of fixtures, the race for qualification remains finely balanced, with every point and goal carrying huge significance.
The day began with a surprise in Marrakech, as Mozambique produced a stunning display against Gabon. From the opening whistle, the Mozambicans pressed high and tested Gabon’s defensive organization. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Faisal Abdul Bangal headed home from a Geny Catamo corner, giving Mozambique the lead. The goal lifted the team’s confidence, and they quickly doubled their advantage when Domingues was fouled in the box, allowing Catamo to calmly convert the penalty.
Gabon fought back, and in first-half stoppage time, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacted fastest to a parried shot to pull one back, keeping Gabon within reach. The second half featured tactical adjustments from both sides. Gabon introduced multiple substitutions in search of an equalizer, but Mozambique maintained composure and threatened on the counter. Calila’s header from Witi’s cross restored Mozambique’s two-goal cushion, only for Alex Moucketou-Moussounda to fire one home for Gabon, bringing the score to a tense 3–2. Despite late pressure, Mozambique held on to secure a victory that reshaped the dynamics at the top of Group F.
Mozambique’s triumph was more than just a three point haul ,it marked the nation’s first-ever victory in Africa Cup of Nations history. Until this win, Mozambique had played 16 AFCON matches without a single triumph , 6 draw and a massive 12 losses, holding the unfortunate distinction of the most games in the competition without a victory.
Attention then turned to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon. Both sides entered the match with three points, understanding that a point would keep their qualification hopes alive. The game was intense and tightly contested. Ivory Coast initially dominated through Amad Diallo and Seko Fofana, but Cameroon gradually regained control and created dangerous opportunities. A disallowed Franck Kessié goal for Ivory Coast and a yellow card for Junior Tchamadeu added drama, while both teams used tactical substitutions to refresh the pitch.
Eventually, Amad Diallo converted a precise Ghislain Konan assist to give Ivory Coast the lead. Cameroon, however, responded resiliently, finding an equalizer to ensure the match ended in a 1–1 stalemate. The draw left both sides level on points, intensifying the competition at the top and setting up a nail-biting final matchday where goal difference and strategy will likely decide qualification.
With Mozambique’s upset and the stalemate between Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, Group F heads into its final round in genuine uncertainty. Each team must approach the concluding fixtures with focus, as qualification for the knockout stage remains delicately poised.
AFCON 2025 –Group F Standings [After Round 2]
