Ivan Urubal, goalkeeper for União Desportiva de Songo, will start in goal for the Mambas in this afternoon's match, replacing Ernani, the usual goalkeeper, who is serving a suspension after collecting two yellow cards in the matches against Mali and Guinea-Bissau. Urubal's confirmation resolves one of the biggest doubts national coach Chiquinho Conde had regarding the starting lineup.
In addition to Ernani, the Mambas face two other key absences among their starting lineups: Mexer Sitoe, from Bandirmaspor (Turkey), who is out due to injury, and Guima, a midfielder from Igdir FK, who was suspended and subsequently injured. To replace Mexer, Conde opted for David Malembana, who plays for Al-Kharitiyath of Qatar. The remaining defense will consist of Reinildo Mandava (Atlético Madrid, Spain), who is untouchable in the center, Bruno Langa (Almería, Spain) on the left wing, and there is still a doubt for the right flank between Infren Matola (UD Songo) and Domingos Macandza (Costa do Sol).
In midfield, Nené (ABB) assumes the role of defensive pivot, while captain Dominguez (UD Songo) remains in the starting lineup, accompanied by Pepo Santos (Caldas SC, Portugal), who takes advantage of Guima's absence to start in the starting eleven.
On the wings, Geny Catamo (Sporting, Portugal) will be on the right, in a position where he is unquestionable, and the left wing has Gildo Vilanculos (Académica de Coimbra, Portugal) and Witi (Dibba Al-Hisn SC, United Arab Emirates) as candidates. The last open spot in attack will be filled by Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig, Germany), the only forward in Chiquinho Conde's conservative 4-5-1 formation, who opts to reinforce the midfield rather than launch an open attack.
Despite playing at home, Conde remains faithful to his cautious style, focusing on defensive solidity to counter the absences and maximize the Mambas' chances in this important clash.
