Mozambique is gearing up for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, set to kick off in September with a challenging match against Mali. Placed in Group I, alongside Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Eswatini, the Mambas face a competitive journey ahead. However, head coach Chiquinho Conde exudes confidence and clarity regarding his team’s ambitions and strategy.
In an interview with CAFOnline, Conde outlined Mozambique’s approach to the qualifiers, underscoring the importance of teamwork and preparation.
“We have to do our homework, work together, focus on our first match in September against Mali, work hard, and create synergies to play a good match,” Conde stated.
His comments reflect a pragmatic yet ambitious mindset as Mozambique seeks to navigate through a group where no opponent can be taken lightly.
Chiquinho Conde’s philosophy for the qualifiers is rooted in resilience and determination. He has made it clear that his team aims to avoid defeat at all costs.
“For our team, if we cannot win, we must not lose, that is our motto. We must humbly respect our opponents and take it match by match,” he emphasized.
This approach highlights Conde’s commitment to instilling a strong defensive mentality while maintaining the ambition to secure victories whenever possible.
Mozambique’s performance at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast was a mix of highs and lows. Despite showing promise, the Mambas narrowly missed advancing to the round of 16, finishing their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Ghana.
Reflecting on this experience, Conde acknowledged the positives while recognizing areas for improvement.
“In the last three years, we have achieved good results and had an above-average AFCON.
We must also understand that often, when we theoretically think of playing against teams of lesser calibre like Eswatini, it can be misleading,” he remarked.
Conde’s assessment underscores the unpredictable nature of international football and the necessity of maintaining focus against all opponents, regardless of their perceived strength.
The journey for Mozambique in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers begins with a tough away match against Mali in Bamako on September 6.
This fixture will be followed by a home game against Guinea-Bissau on September 10. These opening matches are crucial for setting the tone of Mozambique’s campaign and will test the team’s resilience and strategic preparation.
Chiquinho Conde’s leadership will be pivotal as the Mambas aim to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
His emphasis on teamwork, preparation, and a no-loss mentality will be the guiding principles as Mozambique tackles the challenges ahead.
As Mozambique embarks on its AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign, Chiquinho Conde’s approach reflects a blend of ambition and realism.
His clear focus on avoiding defeat, combined with the experience gained from previous tournaments, positions the Mambas as a team to watch.
With crucial matches against Mali and Guinea-Bissau on the horizon, Mozambique’s resilience and strategic preparation will be key to their success in the qualifiers.
