Once written off, now wearing the weight of a nation’s expectation, Geny Catamo returns to the Africa Cup of Nations with a new status and a new responsibility on his shoulders.
The 24-year-old Sporting CP winger arrived quietly at AFCON 2023 for his tournament debut. Two years on in Morocco, he is no longer an unknown. He is Mozambique’s number 10, their creative heartbeat, and the player many believe can carry Os Mambas deeper into the competition.
Off the pitch, Catamo remains softly spoken and shy in interviews. On it, he is fearless. Comfortable on either flank, capable of playing as a wing-back or further forward, he combines sharp dribbling with a powerful shot and a willingness to take risks. Just as importantly for coach Chiquinho Conde, he tracks back diligently, offering protection to his full-back when required.
At AFCON 2025, Catamo has already emerged as Mozambique’s standout performer. His influence has not gone unnoticed by teammates or opponents. Speaking to Flashscore, Pepo was emphatic in his praise.
“For me, Geny is on a completely different level,” he said. “You can really tell. When we played Algeria, he was as good as their best players. In acceleration, strength, speed of execution, decision-making, you immediately see he’s very special.”
Mozambique’s opening match ended in defeat to holders Ivory Coast, but Catamo came agonisingly close to rescuing a point, forcing supporters to their feet with a late effort that narrowly missed the target. The result hurt, yet his performance announced him to a wider African audience.
Now backed by Sporting club and trusted by Conde on the international stage, Catamo is showing what he’s made off.
After Catamo was on target in Mozambique’s 3-2 win over Gabon on Sunday, the question many are asking is no longer “Who is Mozambique’s number 10?” but whether Geny Catamo can turn promise into progress.
For a nation still chasing its first major AFCON breakthrough, hope wears the number 10 shirt and his name is Geny Catamo.
