The Mozambican national football team has commenced its preparatory camp in South Africa as part of the crucial build-up for the impending 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Under the guidance of coach Chiquinho Conde, the squad, currently not at full strength due to some players still fulfilling club commitments abroad, established its training base in Johannesburg on December 28, 2023.
While awaiting the complete assembly of the team, the available players have promptly immersed themselves in training sessions, with the inaugural practice session conducted on December 29.
This intensive training regimen will persist until January 9, 2024, providing the Mambas an opportune window to fine-tune their strategies and strengthen team cohesion.
A pivotal aspect of their preparation involves a friendly match against Lesotho scheduled for January 6, 2024.
Additionally, the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) has hinted at two more friendly encounters, details of which are yet to be disclosed.
These matches will serve as crucial final assessments before the Mambas embark on their journey to Ivory Coast for the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations.
Mozambique, having participated in the AFCON’s final phase three times before—in 1986 (Egypt), 1996 (South Africa), and 2010 (Angola)—has faced early eliminations in each instance, failing to progress beyond the group stages.
Determined to rewrite history, the Mambas are investing significant efforts to attain peak performance and create a breakthrough for the national team in the upcoming tournament.
The training camp in Johannesburg serves as a pivotal phase in their pursuit of a commendable outcome in AFCON 2023.
