Having claimed their first-ever victory at an AFCON finals by beating Gabon on Sunday, the Mambas knew another positive result would seal their progression to the knockouts.
It was Cameroon who started on the front foot in Agadir, however, with Christian Kofane directing a close-range header wide, and Danny Namaso seeing a sharp strike saved by Ivane Urrubal.
Kofane wasted another couple of opportunities for the Indomitable Lions as the first half progressed, while at the other end, Gildo Vilanculos had an effort thwarted by Devis Epassy.
After an entertaining opening 20 minutes, Mozambique took a shock lead when Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo curled a sublime strike into the bottom corner from outside the box.
Having scored 2+ goals in five of the last six meetings, Cameroon went in pursuit of a quickfire response, and they were level just five minutes later when Nene diverted the ball into his own net after Frank Magri’s initial effort had struck the post.
David Pagou’s side carried their momentum into the early stages of the second period, and their growing dominance was duly rewarded in the 55th minute, as Kofane fired a stunning long-range strike beyond Urrubal via the underside of the bar.
The Indomitable Lions remained in the ascendancy with time ticking into the final 20 minutes, but Urrubal stood firm in the Mozambique goal to deny Kofane a second of the evening.
Cameroon spurned another glorious chance to put the game beyond doubt in the 78th minute, as substitute Karl Etta Eyong mishit a simple finish with the goal at his mercy.
That nearly came back to haunt Pagou’s men, with Joao Bonde scuffing a volley wide when well-placed in the box.
Grateful for that reprieve, Cameroon held firm during the closing stages to see out the victory, although a late goal for Ivory Coast against Gabon meant the Indomitable Lions were forced to settle for second spot in Group F.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Christian Kofane (Cameroon)