Mozambique's national team coach, Chiquinho Conde, today announced the list of 46 pre-selected players for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN-2023), scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11. The announcement revealed strategic choices and notable surprises that promise to excite fans and raise expectations for the competition.
One of the most notable call-ups is that of the recently naturalized Alfonso Amade, who plays for Ostende. His inclusion in the squad highlights Chiquinho Conde's commitment to emerging talents and players who can add a new dimension to the national team's performance.
Other notable additions are Kimiss Zavala and Jeremias Nhambirre, both representing Marítimo of Portugal. These players bring with them international experience and skills that could be crucial to the Mozambican team's success in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The return of key players such as Reinildo Mandava, currently at Atlético Madrid, and Luís Miquissone, from Simba SC, adds a dose of familiarity and proven quality to the team. Furthermore, Chiquinho Conde opted to reintegrate Kamo-Kamo, from UD Santarém, and Bonera, who plays for Al Hala.
However, a notable absence from the list is Zainadine Jr., from Marítimo, who was not included in the last call-ups. The decision to leave out a player with considerable experience raises questions and fuels speculation about the selection criteria adopted by Chiquinho Conde.
The national team's training is scheduled to begin next Monday, marking the start of intensive preparation for the tournament. There is a possibility of a second training camp in the last week of the month in neighboring South Africa, providing the team with the opportunity for final adjustments and team cohesion before the big event.
The preliminary squad list encompasses a variety of clubs and leagues, reflecting the diversity of experiences and playing styles that will be combined to represent Mozambique at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. As fans eagerly await the tournament, the expectation is that this selection of talent will provide exciting moments and elevate the prestige of Mozambican football on the African stage.
