The national team begins its preparation this Sunday, October 6th, for two matches against Eswatini, valid for the qualifiers of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Coach Chiquinho Conde, aware of the importance of these matches, acknowledged the challenges the team will face in this decisive phase.
Mozambique enters this double-header with 4 points, earned after a 1-1 draw away against Mali and a 2-1 victory at the Zimpeto National Stadium against Guinea-Bissau. Their opponent, Eswatini, lost both of their previous matches, being defeated by both Guinea-Bissau and Mali, placing them last in Group I.
Eswatini, despite being bottom of the group, is not seen as an opponent to be underestimated. “We know it won’t be easy, we have to respect our opponent and remain humble,” declared Conde, stressing the need for focus and seriousness in the match. With Mozambique leading the group, along with Mali, both with four points, victory in both games will be essential to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The first match will take place on October 11th at the Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo. The support of the 12th player (the public) will be a crucial factor for the Mambas, who aim to consolidate their lead in the group and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Conde highlighted that playing at home demands even more responsibility, and the team is determined to take advantage of this.
The second leg between the two teams will take place at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa on October 14th. This will be an important trip for the Mambas, who hope to repeat their good performance from the last qualifying round. Conde and his team are aware that the pressure will be even greater playing away from home, but their confidence in achieving their objectives remains intact.
Mozambique is now looking to make history, fighting to achieve its first consecutive qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, which would mark a significant moment in the development of national football, in a tournament in which it has already participated 6 times: in 1986, 1996, 1998, 2010 and 2023.
