Approaching the game with the utmost respect: Chiquinho Conde sets aside theory and doesn't underestimate tomorrow's opponent, who are in last place without yet having earned a single point. In fact, Chiquinho Conde made a point of recalling an episode from a friendly match in 2022 against Eswatini, where the national team lost at the Black Bulls' field in the capital.
However, make no mistake: for Chiquinho Conde, respecting the opponent doesn't mean going into the game asleep. The coach himself makes it clear that, playing at home, it's necessary to pressure the opponent and look for a goal as early as possible, in order to then manage the result.
Regarding the two absences, which were also a key topic at the press conference, the coach acknowledged the importance of these absences, but also stressed that "only those who are present are missed." In other words, we must look ahead with the players available.
Captain Elias Pelembe, popularly known as "Puto Maravilha," also spoke at the press conference, where he was questioned about the absence of goalkeeper Ernan, who, having received a yellow card in the Mambas' last game, will be out of this first match of the double-header against Eswatini. Another question raised to the captain was the fact that the team, in recent games, starts strong but, throughout the game, especially after taking the lead, allows the opponent to gain ground in the Mozambican midfield, creating scares—not to mention goals. The captain reacted.
Today, the national team held its final training session in preparation for tomorrow's game against Eswatini. The Mambas completed their fourth and final training session at the Zimpeto National Stadium. Tomorrow, at 3 pm, will be another day in the fight for CAN qualification, and all Mozambicans are called upon to support the Mambas at the Zimpeto National Stadium.
