Mozambique AFCON 2024 squad list, fixtures and opponents

Having previously participated in the 1986, 1996, 1998 and 2010 editions, The Mambas are making their fifth AFCON appearance in Ivory Coast for AFCON 2024.

This year's competition is officially named AFCON 2023 since it was initially scheduled to take place last year but was postponed until January-February 2024.

Mozambique’s AFCON 2024 schedule

Mozambique are placed in Group B and will be testing their strength against record winners of the competition Egypt, four-time winners Ghana and Cape Verde.

The Mambas will play their first two group matches at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny (45,000 seats) in Abidjan. The final group meeting will take place at the Alassane Ouattara D'Anyama Olympic Stadium (60,000 seats).

14 January 6pm: Egypt – Mozambique, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny
19 January 30: Cape Verde – Mozambique, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny
22 January 9pm: Mozambique – Ghana, Alassane Ouattara D’Anyama Olympic Stadium

How did Mozambique qualify for AFCON 2024?

The Mambas finished second behind defending champions Senegal. They won three games, drew one and endured two defeats to Senegal. They chalked 10 points in the process to book their place at AFCON 2023

Day 1: Mozambique-Rwanda (1-1)
Day 2: Benin-Mozambique (0-1)
Day 3: Senegal-Mozambique (5-1)
Day 4: Mozambique-Senegal (0-1)
Day 5: Rwanda-Mozambique (0-2)
Day 6: Mozambique-Benin (3-2)

Their last 10 matches before AFCON 2024

Mozambique-Algeria (0-2) – 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Botswana-Mozambique (2-3) – 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Mozambique-Nigeria (2-3) – Friendly
Angola-Mozambique (1-1) – Friendly
Mozambique-Benin (3-2) – CAN 2023 Qualifiers
Mauritius-Mozambique (0-1) – COSAFA Cup
Mozambique-Lesotho (0-1) – COSAFA Cup
Mozambique-Angola (1-1) – COSAFA Cup
Rwanda-Mozambique (0-2) – CAN 2023 Qualifiers
Mozambique-Malawi (1-1) – Friendly

Mozambique make AFCON 2024 return after 14 years

Mozambique is returning to the African Cup of Nations after a 14-year absence. The team has previously participated in the tournament four times (1986, 1996, 1998, and 2010), but unfortunately, they have not advanced past the first round in any of those appearances.

As they prepare for AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, Chiquinho Condé's team aims to make a strong impression by progressing to the knockout phase.

However, this will be a challenging task as they will be competing against strong teams such as Egypt and Ghana, as well as the unpredictable Cape Verde.

Despite the tough competition, the Mambas have recently demonstrated their competitiveness against nations like Algeria and Nigeria, showing that they are not to be underestimated, regardless of the final score of those matches.

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Mozambique coach: Chiquinho Condé

Francisco Querol Condé Júnior, commonly known as Chiquinho Condé, is a dedicated and demanding coach who excels in the art of football tactics. His preference for the traditional 4-4-2 formation suggests that Mozambique are likely to be a formidable adversary under his leadership.

Since assuming the role in July 2021, his team has gained a reputation for aggressive pressing and swift ball recovery. As a former captain of the Mambas with 43 caps and 12 goals to his name, the 58-year-old emphasises the importance of solid defence to unsettle opposing teams.

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Player to watch: Elias Gasper Pelembe

Elias Gaspar Pelembe who lives under the moniker Dominguês, stands out as a unique footballer. At 40 years old, an age when most players have retired, this native of Maputo continues to showcase his talent on the continental stage. As an attacking midfielder, he can also thrive as a right winger due to his versatile.

Pelembe holds the record for the most caps with 105 appearances, scoring 16 goals for the Mambas. As the captain of the team, Pelembe is an influential figure in the dressing room. He has spent his entire career playing in South Africa with spells with Mamelodi Sundowns and only recently relocated to his native Angola to pitch camp with UD Songo.

His wealth of experience, leadership, and impeccable technique are invaluable assets for the Mambas.