Cameroon found their nerve when it mattered most. Down early and under pressure in Agadir, the Indomitable Lions rallied to beat Mozambique 2-1 and secure second place in AFCON 2025 Group F. The comeback, sealed by a slick finish from Christian Kofane after an equalizer via a Nene own goal, sends Cameroon into the round of 16 to face South Africa. Mozambique, who struck first through the in-form Geny Catamo, still advance as one of the best third-place teams and will take on Nigeria. Ivory Coast’s late win over Gabon locked in the final standings and set the bracket in motion.

AFCON 2025 Group F drama in Agadir

The Adrar Stadium in Agadir was heavy with tension and opportunity. Cameroon needed a result to avoid a complicated path. Mozambique, fresh from their first-ever AFCON win last weekend, arrived with belief and nothing to fear. Group F has been tight all week, and this final round delivered again.

That intensity showed early. Mozambique’s star midfielder Geny Catamo struck in the 23rd minute with a curling left-foot hit that froze the stadium for a moment. It was the goal of a player in form and a team growing in confidence. But the response from Cameroon was fast and forceful, as if the early shock jolted them awake.

Cameroon vs Mozambique: the comeback explained

Cameroon’s equalizer came through an own goal by Nene, a harsh break for Mozambique after a bright start. Moments like that change games. The momentum swung. Cameroon pushed their lines higher, and the ball started to stick in key areas. That pressure told when Christian Kofane found the decisive finish. The phrasing from the match reports said it best: a “brilliant” strike to complete the turn.

It was not a win built on beauty alone. It was built on belief. A team with tournament pedigree saw a window and stepped through it. Mozambique will regret how control slipped away, but even in defeat they looked like a side learning fast at this level.

“That own goal flipped the game — Cameroon smelled blood right then.”

What second place means for Cameroon

Finishing second in Group F is a big tick for Cameroon. It keeps their AFCON route clear and gives them a path they will back themselves to handle. The comeback also matters in the dressing room. Teams remember how they win, not just that they win. Turning a deficit into three points builds trust and calm before the knockouts.

Next up: South Africa in the round of 16. It’s a different kind of test. South Africa are organized, stubborn, and quick in transition. Cameroon will need cleaner passing in midfield and better control of the wide spaces. But they also carry fresh belief from Agadir. When knockout football arrives, that belief is often the edge.

“Kofane just staked a claim for the last-16 — keep him on the pitch.”

Mozambique’s rise continues: Nigeria awaits

Mozambique leave the group stage with mixed feelings and real progress. They scored first in Agadir, held their shape for long spells, and never folded even after the equalizer. Their earlier historic AFCON win showed their ceiling is climbing. As a best third-place qualifier, they now face Nigeria.

That is a huge challenge, but it is also a stage to grow on. Mozambique’s key will be the same spark Catamo brings and a tighter response to moments of pressure. AFCON rewards teams that manage the small swings — the deflections, the loose balls, the quick restarts. If the Mambas tidy those, they can trouble anyone for long stretches.

Ivory Coast top Group F; Gabon fall late

Elsewhere in Group F, Ivory Coast clinched first place with a late 3-2 win over Gabon. That result shaped the bracket. The Elephants will meet Burkina Faso, the runners-up from Group E. It also confirmed Cameroon in second and Mozambique in third. Every minute mattered in this group, and the final whistle in both stadiums told the tale.

“Mozambique are learning in real time — and they’re still standing in the last-16.”

Key players and key moments

• Geny Catamo – A lovely curling goal for the opener and a constant outlet. His left foot changes games.
• Nene (own goal) – The equalizer that swung momentum Cameroon’s way. A cruel moment for Mozambique.
• Christian Kofane – The match-winner. Calm under pressure, clean technique, big impact.
• Adrar Stadium, Agadir – A big-stage feel and a game that lived up to it. The energy was there from the start.

What’s next: round of 16 at AFCON 2025

• Cameroon vs South Africa – A test of control and patience. Cameroon must turn their comeback energy into a full 90-minute performance.
• Nigeria vs Mozambique – Nigeria bring firepower; Mozambique bring momentum and belief. Catamo’s form is key.
• Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso – The group winners look sharp and confident, but Burkina Faso are stubborn knockout opponents.

In Agadir, Cameroon showed why tournament teams are dangerous: they survive, then they strike. Mozambique showed why AFCON keeps growing: new winners, new threats, and no easy nights. Group F gave us late drama and clear storylines. Now the lights shift to the knockouts, where one moment can make a hero and one mistake can end a dream. Cameroon carry momentum. Mozambique carry belief. The real tournament starts now.