The Mozambican roller hockey team, the Ngonhamas, secured another victory in the World Challengers Championship, the equivalent of the third division. In a match played on Tuesday, September 17, in Novara, Italy, Mozambique defeated Japan 7-2, registering their second consecutive victory in the competition.
After a 5-3 victory in their opening match against Mexico, Bruno Pimentel's team demonstrated superiority on the court, dominating the Japanese from start to finish. Japan, which had lost 11-1 to Israel in the first round, was unable to withstand the Mozambicans' attacking pace.
The goals of the match were scored by Diego Pimentel Simões (2), Absalão Miquissene (2), Macário Issufo, Pedro Pimentel Júnior and Pedro Tivane Júnior, guaranteeing an unquestionable victory for Mozambique. The Japanese reduced the score with goals from Daichi Takahashi, through a penalty, and captain Yuki Nishimura.
With this victory, Mozambique is in third place in the table, level on six points with Israel and Uruguay. However, the Ngonhamas have a positive goal difference of seven, while Israel leads with 20 and Uruguay with 15.
Mozambique's next challenge will be against Uruguay, who defeated Mexico 6-1 in the second round after defeating New Zealand 10-0 in their opening match. The match will be decisive for both teams' hopes in the tournament.
The Mozambican campaign continues to impress, with the team demonstrating offensive strength and game management skills, keeping alive hopes of advancing further in the competition.
