Mozambican football is celebrating the news that the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) will receive a prize of 32 million meticais from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the qualification of the national team, the Mambas, for the prestigious African Cup of Nations (CAN-2023), which will be held in Ivory Coast between January and February of next year.
The return of the Mambas to the final stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, after thirteen years of absence, is an achievement that goes far beyond the sporting aspect. This feat fills the country with pride and highlights the talent and dedication of Mozambican players, as well as the FMF's efforts in promoting the development of football in Mozambique.
The award from CAF is a way to recognize the success and determination of the Mambas in qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, a significant milestone in Mozambican football. Furthermore, this award will also serve as a financial incentive for the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) to continue investing in the development of football in the country.
According to CAF procedures, all twenty-four federations of nations that qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast will receive a monetary prize. Each federation will receive $500,000, equivalent to 32 million meticais, for their achievement in the thrilling qualifying match held on September 9th at the Zimpeto National Stadium.
Part of this amount will be delivered before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, allowing federations to support their national teams in the preparation process for the tournament. The remainder will be granted after the tournament concludes.
The total prize money could increase significantly if they win the Africa Cup of Nations, reaching up to five million US dollars, which is equivalent to approximately 320 million meticais.
Meanwhile, the Mambas are in pot four of the CAN-2023 draw, grouping with lower-ranked teams, but the spirit of determination and ambition that has brought them this far could surprise the continent. The draw, which will define the groups and opponents of the Mambas, will take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on October 12, and will be a crucial moment for the strategy and preparation of the Mozambican national team.
