Vitoria reflects on encounter with former player in AFCON

Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria, the head coach of the Egyptian national team, shared his thoughts on facing his former player, Mozambican winger Reineldo Mandava of Atletico Madrid, ahead of the clash between Egypt and Mozambique on Sunday in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Expressing his satisfaction, Vitoria stated to reporters before the match, “I am pleased to see Reineldo at this level.”

The head coach of the Egyptian national team continued, “Reineldo Mandava plays in one of the biggest leagues in the world.

A coach is always happy to see his players perform at the highest stages.”

Rui Vitoria promoted Reineldo Mandava to the first team of Benfica in Portugal in 2016 and utilized him in several matches.

Mandava then went on loan to various Portuguese clubs before joining Lille in France in 2019, and later transferring to Atletico in 2022.

Reineldo Mandava, 29 years old, has represented Mozambique in 29 international matches, scoring two goals in his international career.

As the two teams prepare to face each other, the encounter between coach Vitoria and his former protege adds an extra layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated AFCON match.