Mozambique’s players have been handed a major financial incentive as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The Mambas have been drawn into a daunting Group F alongside defending champions Ivory Coast, five-time winners Cameroon and a competitive Gabon side, a section widely viewed as one of the toughest at the tournament.
Although Chiquinho Conde’s team are not considered among the favourites to progress, let alone challenge for the title, the Mozambican Football Federation has put a lucrative bonus package on the table to motivate the squad.
However, Federation president Feizal Sidat revealed that each player stands to earn $23,000 if Mozambique pull off the ultimate upset and wins the AFCON crown.
“We discussed with the team, and everything is done,” Sidat said.
“They know how much they will get. If they can win AFCON, they will get 1.5 million meticais each. In dollars, it is USD $23,000 for each player in bonuses if they can win AFCON.
“Only the coach is covered that is in the bonuses if they can win AFCON.
“If they can go to the quarterfinals and semifinals, it will be less.”
Mozambique’s squad features several experienced names, including Elias Pelembe, Manuel Kambala and Edmilson Dove, as they look to defy the odds in what promises to be a demanding AFCON campaign.
Mozambique will open their campaign against defending champions Ivory Coast on Wednesday, December 24, at the Stade de Marrakech.
