Gabon and Mozambique are set to clash in a crucial Group F showdown at Agadir’s Adrar Stadium, each eager to reignite their Africa Cup of Nations dreams.

In their first match, the former team lost to Cameroon 1-0, and the latter lost to Ivory Coast, the current champions, by the same score.

Riding a wave of confidence from a six-game unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon entered their opener with high hopes.

Despite their efforts, the Panthers lost narrowly, 1-0, to Cameroon in Morocco, despite taking 12 shots.

Thierry Mouyouma will surely feel the sting of missed chances, especially given his team’s usual prowess in front of goal.

The Panthers have reason to be optimistic facing Mozambique, a side struggling through a four-game winless stretch that includes three defeats.

History also tilts in Gabon’s favor, as they have claimed victory in three of their four previous encounters with Mozambique.

The Mozambican Mambas enter as underdogs, weighed down by a daunting 16-game winless run in tournament finals.

Nearly forty years since their debut in Egypt, the Southern African squad is still chasing their first trip beyond the group stage.

Now, the current generation faces the challenge of breaking through a tough group, needing a strong result against the seasoned Gabonese side.

Chiquinho Conde is well aware that shoring up his team’s leaky defense is crucial, with eight goals conceded in just four matches.