PSL Legend set for historic AFCON 2025 appearance at 42

Mozambique have turned back the clock by naming Elias Pelembe Dominguez, a true Betway Premiership icon, in their 25-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

The evergreen winger, who celebrated his 42nd birthday last month, is set to become the second-oldest player in AFCON history if he features, behind Egypt’s Essam El Hadary, who played at 44 in 2017.

Dominguez is no stranger to South African football fans. His name is etched in Premier Soccer League folklore after a glittering career that saw him win titles with Bidvest Wits, SuperSport United, and Mamelodi Sundowns, where his creativity and leadership made him one of the league’s most respected foreign imports.  From dazzling dribbles to clutch performances in big games, Dominguez embodied consistency and class in the Betway Premiership era.

Despite being dropped earlier this year for missing a key World Cup qualifier due to passport issues, coach Chiquinho Conde has recalled the veteran following strong showings in recent friendlies.

His inclusion adds experience to a Mozambique side drawn in Group F, where they face defending champions Ivory Coast in their opener on December 24 in Marrakech, followed by clashes against Gabon and Cameroon.

This will be Mozambique’s second consecutive AFCON appearance after breaking a 13-year absence in 2023. For Dominguez, it’s a chance to inspire his nation once more, just as he did countless times in the PSL.

AFCON Historic Players: Youngest to Oldest

The Africa Cup of Nations has seen a fascinating age spectrum over the years. The youngest player to feature at the finals was Souleymane Coulibaly, who represented Ivory Coast at just 16 years old. At the other end of the scale, Egypt’s legendary goalkeeper El Hadary holds the record as the oldest player, appearing in the 2017 final at 44 years and 21 days. Dominguez now joins this elite list, proving that age is just a number when it comes to continental glory.