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After securing a quarter final berth at this years African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria, Mozambique will attempt to consolidate the gains they have made with a strong performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Before the tournament in Ivory Coast, Mozambique had not qualified for the AFCON in 14 years.
The Southern African nation has been drawn in Group B alongside two former champions; Ghana (four time champions) and Egypt (seven time champions) and the unpredictable Cape Verde.
Mozambique’s matches in Group B
14 January
Egypt – Mozambique: 17h00 GMT | Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
19 January
Cape Verde – Mozambique: 14h00 GMT | Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
January 22, 2024
Mozambique – Ghana 20h00GMT | Stade Alassane-Ouattara, Abidjan
How they qualified:
The Mambas finished second in Group I behind Senegal after doing well to beat Benin 3-2 in a dramatic final round.
Key Player: Geny Catamo
Sporting Lisbon’s Geny Catamo is the main man for Mozambique.
Catamo has a cultured left-footed and exhibits an uncommon maturity for his age. He has the distinction of being one of the few modern forwards who can play anywhere across the front three positions without varying levels of productivity.
However, he has most often used as a right winger or supporting striker.
Unlike your regular winger, Catamo is able to stay central, assuming a playmaker role when his team requires it.
The coach: Chiquinho Condé
Chiquinho Condé is a former player who has successfully transitioned to a professional coach.
A disciple of the classic 4-4-2 system, Chiquinho requires high octane, full commitment football from his team, while insisting on discipline and inventiveness at the same time.
As a result, Mozambique have been noted for their compact football off-the-ball, and direct, committed attack.
Chiquinho himself is a former Mambas captain and will be hoping to transmit the ideals he picked up as a player to his team.
Previous TotalEnergies AFCON performances:
1986: 1st round
1996: 1st round
1998: 1st round
2010: 1st round
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