Ex-Sundowns star Pelembe recalled by Mozambique, eyes Essam El Hadary’s AFCON record

Mozambique have handed a surprise recall to captain Dominguez, better known in South Africa as Elias Pelembe, for their upcoming friendlies in Morocco this month, putting the veteran back in contention for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Dominguez turns 42 on Thursday, just a day before the Mambas face tournament hosts Morocco at the Grande Stade in Tangier. They will also take on Chad in Tetouan on 17 November.

The recall marks a dramatic turnaround for the former PSL star, who was dropped earlier this year by coach Chiquinho Conde after missing a key World Cup qualifier in Egypt due to a late passport submission that cost him his visa. Accused of indiscipline, Dominguez returns following a meeting between the coach and vice-captains Edmilson, Mexer, and Reinildo, who urged his reinstatement.

If Dominguez features at AFCON in December, he will become the second-oldest player in tournament history, behind Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary, who played the 2017 final at 44 years and 21 days.

A PSL Legend

Dominguez is no stranger to South African fans, having spent 15 seasons in the Premier Soccer League, winning four league titles with SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Bidvest Wits.

Mozambique Squad for Morocco Friendlies

The squad includes Polokwane City midfielder Kambala and former Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson, now based in Iraq. Other notable names are Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon), Reinildo (Sunderland), and Mexer (Turkey).

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ernan (Associação Black Bulls), Ivane Urrubal (Ferroviário Nacala), Kimiss Zavala (Marítimo, Portugal)

Defenders: Bruno Langa (Pafos, Cyprus), Chambuco (Associação Black Bulls), Diogo Calila (Santa Clara, Portugal), Edmilson (Al Quwa Al Jawiya), Mexer (Keçiörengücü, Turkey), Nanani (UD Songo), Nené (Abu Salim, Libya), Oscar (UD Songo), Reinildo (Sunderland, England)

Midfielders: Alfonso Amade (Dunfermline Athletic, Scotland), Dominguez (UD Songo), Kambala (Polokwane City, South Africa), Keyns Abdala (Chaves, Portugal), Pepo (Caldas, Portugal)

Forwards: Clésio Bauque (Associação Black Bulls), Faizal Bangal (AC Mestre, Italy), Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Gildo Vilanculos (Tadamon Sour, Lebanon), Melque (UD Songo), Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig, Germany), Witi (Nacional, Portugal).