AFCON: Kofane fires Cameroon past Mozambique

19-year-old Christian Kofane’s spectacular 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) debut brought Cameroon victory on Wednesday with a 2-1 result over Mozambique to finish up Group F action in Morocco.

The Bayer Leverkusen starlet won it for the Indomitable Lions early in the second half with a fierce strike that went in off the crossbar after intercepting a pass from the Mambas defense. The 55th minute goal completed a comeback that saw Cameroon end the group as runners-up.

Kofane was dangerous all match and was denied the opening goal in the 19th minute when he got behind the Mozambican defense only for advancing Mambas goalkeeper Ivane Urrubal to smother the opportunity.

But Mambas star Geny Catamo kept his team in the match. In the 22nd minute, the Sporting CP winger cut inside from the right wing and fired a signature strike past Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy to give Mozambique the lead against the run of play.

The Cameroonian response was fierce and they responded six minutes later after a chaotic sequence in front of the Mambas goal saw Urrubal do well to deny an initial shot. However, after Danny Namaso’s shot from the rebound went off the post, Mozambique defender Nene put the ball in his own net after attempting a desperate clearance from his backside.

And Kofane put the Lions up for good early in the second half. Poor passing from the back by the Mozambican defense resulted in an interception for the talented young striker, who danced around a marker before his impressive effort left Urrubal with no chance.

The Indomitable Lions will now face South Africa in the Round of 16 on January 4 in Rabat. Mozambique advances as one of the best third place teams and the Mambas will now prepare for their January 5 clash against Nigeria in the knockout stages.