A moment of extraordinary misjudgement stole the spotlight as Cameroon booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with a bizarre own goal proving the turning point in a 2-1 comeback victory over Mozambique in Morocco on Wednesday night.
The incident occurred midway through the first half and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament. With Mozambique holding a 1-0 lead, Cameroon launched a sustained attack that initially appeared to have broken down. Goalkeeper Ivan Urrubal had just produced a fine save to deny a clear chance, before a follow-up effort from Cameroon struck the upright and rebounded into the six-yard box.
In a shocking twist, Mozambique defender Feliciano Jone, popularly known as Nene, while lying on the ground, directed the loose ball into his own net instead of attempting a clearance. The unexpected action handed Cameroon an equaliser and visibly stunned players on both sides, leaving Mozambique’s bench and supporters in disbelief.
#CANALPLUSCAN : Égalisation du Cameroun 🇨🇲⚽ Feliciano Jone Nenê marque contre son camp (CSC), 1-1 🔄🔥 pic.twitter.com/VpyNvGNnUN
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) December 31, 2025
That moment shifted the momentum of the match. Cameroon, who had struggled to break down a disciplined Mozambican side earlier, grew in confidence after the equaliser.
Mozambique, by contrast, appeared deflated, struggling to regain their composure for the remainder of the half.
Earlier, Mozambique had taken a deserved lead in the 23rd minute through Geny Catamo, who finished calmly after a well-worked move to put his side in control of the contest.
The goal raised hopes of a famous result, with Mozambique looking organised and confident against one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.
However, Cameroon completed the turnaround in the 55th minute when Christian Koufani found the net, capitalising on sustained pressure to score what proved to be the winning goal.
The strike secured all three points for the Indomitable Lions and lifted them to second place in Group F.
The victory sets up a Round of 16 meeting with South Africa for Cameroon, while Mozambique also progressed as one of the best third placed teams and will face Nigeria in the round of 16.
