Mozambique Sack Coach Joao Chissano After AFCON Qualifier Defeat
By BBC Sport Africa
Mozambique have parted company with national team coach Joao Chissano following the Black Mambas’ disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Rwanda in their opening match of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Mozambican Football Federation confirmed Chissano’s dismissal on Tuesday, ending his two-year tenure that began in June 2013. The defeat to Rwanda, in front of a home crowd, proved to be the final straw for the federation, which had hoped for a stronger start to the qualification campaign.
In a swift move, the federation announced that former international Mano Mano Muianga would take over the reins. Muianga, a respected figure in Mozambican football, steps into the role with immediate effect as the team looks to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
Chissano becomes the second managerial casualty after just one round of matches in the 2017 qualifiers. On Monday, Malawi sacked their head coach Young Chimodzi following the Flames’ defeat to Zimbabwe.
The early dismissals underscore the pressure facing national team coaches on the continent, where expectations run high and qualification for AFCON remains a critical benchmark of success.
Mozambique will be hoping that a change at the helm can spark a turnaround in their campaign, with the federation placing its faith in Mano Mano to revive the team’s fortunes and restore confidence in the squad.
