Mozambique name 25-man squad for Senegal and Sudan AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Mozambique have announced a 25-man squad for their opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Senegal and Sudan later this month.

The Mambas will begin their Group J campaign at home against Senegal on 25 September, before hosting Sudan four days later.

Both matches will be played at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 local time.

Head coach Chiquinho Conde has selected a squad featuring a mixture of experienced internationals and emerging players as Mozambique begin their bid to reach the 2027 tournament.

Conde, who has been in charge of the national team since 2021, previously guided Mozambique to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Geny Catamo included

Among the notable names in the squad is Geny Catamo, who has established himself as one of Mozambique’s key attacking players.

The squad also includes forward Stanley Ratifo, midfielder Gildo Vilanculos and defender Mexer, alongside a number of players who have featured prominently for the national side in recent years.

Catamo is already among Mozambique’s leading international goalscorers, while Ratifo has also become an important option in attack.

The squad announced by the Mozambique Football Federation is:

Goalkeepers

• Ernan Silujane
• José Rurgurro
• Kimiss Zavala

Defenders

• Edmilson Dove
• Bruno Langa
• Diogo Cabral
• Bruno Wilson
• Feliciano Jone
• Fernando Chambuco
• Óscar Cherene
• Valter Nchassa
• Celton Jamisse

Midfielders

• Ricardo Guimarães
• Manuel Kambala
• Alfonso Amade
• Edson Mucuana
• Geny Catamo
• Witiness Quembo
• Cândido Mathe
• Gildo Vilanculos

Forwards

• Stanley Ratifo
• Faizal Bangal
• Alcides Raice
• Chamito Lamborino
• Dayo António

Tough start for the Mambas

Mozambique face a demanding opening to their qualification campaign, with Senegal providing the first test.

Senegal are among Africa’s leading national teams and will enter the qualifying campaign with ambitions of securing another appearance at the continental finals.

Mozambique will then face Sudan on 29 September, giving Conde’s side two home matches in the opening international window.

The Mambas will be hoping to make full use of home advantage as they target a strong start in Group J.

Mozambique have developed into a competitive side under Conde and have been regular participants at recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Their challenge now is to maintain that progress and secure qualification for the 2027 finals.

With two home fixtures to begin the campaign, Mozambique will see the September window as an important opportunity to collect points before the group enters its later stages.

Mozambique’s AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures

• 25 September: Mozambique v Senegal – Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto, 15:00
• 29 September: Mozambique v Sudan – Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto, 15:00

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with qualification now underway across the continent.