Following the Mambas' 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the second round of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), Mozambique's national team coach, Chiquinho Conde, announced a preliminary squad of 47 players. The list includes athletes who will play in the third and fourth round matches against Eswatini, between October 7 and 15, 2024.
The first match will be held in Mozambique, at the Zimpeto Stadium, while the second will take place at the Mbombela Stadium in South Africa, which Eswatini has been using as its "home" for international competitions. From the extensive initial list, only 23 players will be chosen to represent the national team in the matches.
Balance between Experience and Youth
The preliminary squad selection reflects a balanced strategy, featuring experienced players and young talents from both local and international football. This approach has been a hallmark of coach Chiquinho Conde, who seeks to combine the experience of established players with the energy and potential of new talents.
Among the prominent names are Mozambican international Reinildo Mandava, from Atlético de Madrid, who returns to the national team after participating in the double round of qualifiers, and Luís Miquissone, from União Desportiva de Songo, who has established himself in the national championship. Another big name is Geny Catamo, who plays for Sporting Clube de Portugal, bringing the experience of competing in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe.
Goalkeepers and Defense in Focus
The defense will be anchored by players such as Bruno Langa, from UD Almeria, and Edson Sitoe (Mexer), who plays in Turkey. In goal, Chiquinho Conde called up six goalkeepers, including Ernan Siluane, from Associação Black Bulls, and Gion Chande, from FC Wil, who are expected to compete for the starting position.
Advanced Weightlifters
The attacking front boasts experienced forwards such as Elias Pelembe (Domingues), from União Desportiva de Songo, and Stanley Ratifo, from Chemie Leipzig, who together promise to pose a threat to opposing defenses. Young Melque Alexandre, from Black Bulls, is also an option for the attack, demonstrating the strength of the Mozambican team.
The Complete List of Pre-Selected Players:
Goalkeeper:
- Ernan Siluane (Black Bulls Association)
- Fasistêncio João (Ferroviário de Nampula)
- Gion Chande (FC Wil)
- Ivane Urrubal (Songo Sports Union)
- Kimmiss Zavala (Maritime)
- Joaquim Tsambe (Costa do Sol)
Defenses:
- Domingos Macandza (Costa do Sol)
- Bruno Langa (UD Almeria)
- Infren Matola (Songo Sports Union)
- Reinildo Mandava (Atlético de Madrid)
- Jeremias Nhambirre (Unattached)
- Francisco Muchanga (Costa do Sol)
- Martinho Thauzene (Black Bulls Association)
- Edson Sitoe (Bandirmaspor)
- David Malembana (Al Kharaitiyat)
- Feliciano Jone (Black Bulls Association)
- Fernando Chambuco (Black Bulls Association)
Medium:
- Amade Momade (Namungo FC)
- João Bonde (Railroad Worker from Beira)
- Ricardo Guimarães (Igdir FK)
- Manuel Kambala (Polokwane City)
- Keyns Abdala (GD Chaves)
- Ezequiel Machava (Maputo Railway Worker)
- Dário Melo (União Desportiva de Songo)
- Pedro Santos (Caldas SC)
- Aly Zacarias (Costa do Sol)
- Shaquille Nangji (Sacred Hope)
- Luís Miquissone (União Desportiva de Songo)
- Alfonso Amade (Unattached)
- Nelson Drivrassone (Ferroviário da Beira)
- Clésio Baúque (Al Arabi)
- Geny Catamo (Sporting CP)
- Jonathan Muiomo (FV Illertissen)
- Gianluca Lorenzoni (Unattached)
Advanced:
- Amâncio Canhemba (Maputo Railway Worker)
- Elias Pelembe (Songo Sports Union)
- Witness Quembo (Dibba Al-Hisn)
- Gildo Vilanculos (Academic Association of Coimbra)
- Stélio Ernesto (Nampula Railway Worker)
- Isac de Carvalho (Costa do Sol)
- Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig)
- Kamo Kamo (Songo Sports Union)
- Dayo António (Railroad Worker of Beira)
- Melque Alexandre (Black Bulls Association)
- Pachoio Lau Ha King (Songo Sports Union)
- Elias Macamo (Nacala Sports)
- Chamito Alfândega (Black Bulls Association)
Hope for the Double Journey
With the next double-header approaching, there is growing anticipation among Mozambican fans. The matches against Eswatini will be crucial to consolidating the Mambas' position in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying phase.
