Geny Catamo beamed with pride after his pivotal role in Mozambique’s landmark 3-2 victory over Gabon at the Stade Adrar, ending nearly four decades without an AFCON win.
Named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, the winger opened the scoring with a headed goal from a precise cross before calmly converting a penalty to double the lead just before halftime.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
His contributions sparked wild celebrations among the Mambas, who held firm despite a late Gabon fightback from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moussoundou.
The match exploded into life in the first half. Faizal Bangal nodded home first in the 37th minute off Catamo’s delivery, then Catamo buried the spot-kick after Dominguês was fouled.
Diogo Calila’s header soon after the break restored Mozambique’s cushion, sealing their first continental success since 1986.
