Gabon and Mozambique face off this Sunday in Agadir, with both nations desperate to reignite their campaigns after narrow opening-day defeats in what has been dubbed the AFCON 2025 Group of Death.
The Panthers of Gabon enter the match following a frustrating 1-0 loss to Cameroon, where they failed to capitalize on significant possession. Meanwhile, the Mambas of Mozambique showed defensive grit but eventually succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against the defending champions, Ivory Coast. With both teams currently sitting on zero points, this fixture is a “must-win” to avoid an early exit.
Match details: Time and Venue
The clash serves as the opening act of Sunday’s schedule, moving the Group F action to the coastal city of Agadir.
- Date: Sunday, 28 December 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 GMT (13:30 local time)
- Venue: Grand Stade d’Agadir (Adrar Stadium), Agadir
AFCON 2025: Schedule, results and standings of the Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch the game globally
Fans can follow this high-stakes survival battle through the following major broadcasters:
- UK: Channel 4 (Free-to-air) on 4Seven and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA & Canada: beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español; streaming via Fubo and Fanatiz.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (English/Portuguese) and Canal+ Afrique (French).
- South Africa: SABC and the SABC+ app.
- Australia & NZ: beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Team news
Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma is expected to make bold changes to his starting XI. After starting on the bench against Cameroon due to fitness concerns, legendary striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is tipped to lead the line from the first whistle. He will likely be supported by the creative Denis Bouanga and Mario Lemina, who both made significant impacts as substitutes in the opener. Captain Bruno Ecuele Manga will continue to anchor a defense that must remain wary of Mozambique’s speed on the break.
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Mozambique, under Chiquinho Conde, will likely stick to the disciplined 4-1-4-1 formation that frustrated the Ivorians for long periods. Goalkeeper Ernan Siluane remains the man in focus after a standout performance on Matchday 1, while Atlético Madrid’s Reinildo Mandava provides the veteran leadership in the backline. The Mambas will look to Geny Catamo to provide the creative spark, while Stanley Ratifo is expected to operate as the lone outlet up front.
Chasing the elusive “One”
This match is more than just a fight for three points; it is a battle against long-standing historical droughts for both nations:
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- 40-Year wait: Mozambique is still searching for its first-ever victory at an AFCON finals. In 16 attempts since their debut in 1986, the Mambas have recorded 4 draws and 12 defeats, never progressing past the group stage.
- Goal drought: Both teams failed to find the net in their openers despite combined attempts of over 20 shots. Gabon, in particular, dominated 56.7% of possession against Cameroon but lacked clinical finishing.
📋 LES CONVOQUÉS POUR LA COUPE D’AFRIQUE DES NATIONS MAROC 2025#FEGAFOOT #GABON #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/3oK3TgXCEx
— Fédération Gabonaise de Football (@fegafoot_gabon) December 8, 2025
- Historical edge: While this is their first-ever meeting at an AFCON tournament, Gabon holds the upper hand in historical encounters, winning 4 of their 7 total meetings (Mozambique has 2 wins, with 1 draw).
- Defensive fragility: Mozambique has struggled with consistency at the back, having shipped 8 goals in their last 5 matches leading into this fixture.
With the pressure mounting, Gabon’s veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sent a clear message to the fans:
“We controlled the game against Cameroon but lacked the final touch. Against Mozambique, we have no excuses. We have the experience and the quality; now we just have to put the ball in the net and keep our dream alive.”
