Gabon vs Mozambique: No margin of error for both nations seeking redemption
Gabon: The Panthers are aiming to register their first three points
Gabon still have two games remaining in the 2025 African Cup of Nations. This means there's still a chance for them to redeem themselves. With Cameroon and the Ivory Coast facing off later, they are aware that there will be points that will be dropped, allowing them to either secure the top spot or second in Group F.
The Panthers' recent match in this competition ended in a 1-0 defeat against Cameroon. Their performance in that match left much to be desired. It can be said that their lack of attacking output in that match turned out to be their undoing. They registered 12 shots at the target, with just two finding the target, and had 0.69 expected goals (xG).
Before that defeat, Gabon were on a six-game unbeaten run at AFCON, particularly in group stage games. Heading into their second group stage game, they'll be hoping for a favorable outcome. However, their record at this stage has not been convincing. So far, they've played eight games in this stage and have won just two matches during this period (D3, L3).
Thierry Mouyouma's charges are meeting Mozambique for the first time in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, this is not the first time they have locked horns. They've met each other seven times and have won four of those outings, while losing two and drawing one. The last time they crossed paths, the home side won 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Mozambique: The Mambas might be underdogs, but should not be underestimated
Mozambique are the weakest team in Group F and are expected to end the campaign at the bottom of the table. However, the Southern African nation shouldn't be underestimated, given their impressive performance in the previous edition. This is a side that managed to hold seven-time champions Egypt and Ghana to draws in the group stages
Facing possible elimination, the Mambas will want to be at their best in the second group stage game. They were unfortunate not to have picked up a point in their recent opening match against defending champions Ivory Coast. In that match, they dropped all three points in a 1-0 defeat at Stade de Marrakech.
In light of that result, this extended their winless run at AFCON to16 games. During this period, they recorded four draws and 12 losses. Their chances of ending that unwanted run are minimal, considering they've lost each of their last five second group stage games.
Failure to secure a favorable outcome in this impending encounter could significantly hurt their chances of progressing to the knockout stages. It must be pointed out that they've never progressed beyond the group stages in each of their last five appearances.
