#8. Mozambique 🇲🇿
Population: 34,173,805
Nickname: The Mambas
Appearances: 5th
Last Appearance: 2010
Coach: Chiquinho Conde
Best AFCON results:
Skipper: Domingues
Player to watch: Domingues
Region: COSAFA
CAF Rankings: 25
FIFA Rankings: 111
Most caps: Elias Gasper Pelembe ‘Domingues’
Top Scorer: Manuel Louis Jose ‘Tico-Tico’
(30 goals)
Mozambique qualified ahead of Benin and Rwanda in the qualifiers for AFCON 2023 as Senegal won the group comfortably.
AFCON 2023 is Mozambique’s 5th AFCON participation with 2010 being the last time they played in the competition.
Mozambique is yet to qualify from their group in the four AFCONs they have partaken in as they always get lost among the big boys at this level.
Mozambique won against Botswana (3-2) and lost against Algeria (2-0) in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers opening two games.
Expectations on Chiquinho Conde’s team back home are less as securing a place ahead of Benin and Rwanda was a success on its own. The Mambas do not boast of stars as compared to other countries but are ready to fight for the colours of Mozambique.
Atletico Madrid defender, Reinildo, has just recovered from injury and it remains unknown how his fitness and sharpness will be during the tournament.
Mozambique’s chances of progressing to the knockout phase are slim as they will play against Egypt, Ghana and Cape Verde.
The core of the team
Alberto Siluane is Mozambique’s number-one goalkeeper and will be protected by Mandava, David Malembana and Mexer at the back.
Guimaraes, Nangy and Domingues are expected to link the defence and the attack
Bauque and Stanley Ratifo will lead The Mambas attack
Probable 11
Siluane
Macandza, Mexer, Mandava, Langa
Guimaraes, Nangy
Lourenco, Somingues, Bauque
Ratifo
Notable Legends
Reinildo Mandava, Mexer, Simao Mate Junior, Helder Palembe, Tico-Tico
Expectations: Group Stage exit
Fixtures:
Egypt v Mozambique
Cape Verde v Mozambique
Mozambique v Ghana
