Mozambique and Mali meet today at the National Stadium in Maputo in a crucial Group I clash of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers. Both teams, tied at eight points, aim to take control of the group and move closer to securing a place in the tournament set to take place in Morocco.
Unbeaten so far in the qualifiers, the stakes are high for both sides. Mozambique’s head coach, Chiquinho Conde, has placed his trust in a well-balanced squad.
Key figures include Bruno Langa, the reliable full-back; Ernan, the experienced goalkeeper; and Geny Catamo, who will direct play in midfield.
Mali, led by Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, welcomes back influential players who could make the difference.
Kamory Doumbia brings added stability to the midfield, while forward Ibrahima Koné is expected to lead the charge in attack.
Amadou Dante anchors the defense alongside Sikou Niakaté, offering solidity at the back.
A draw with at least two goals apiece would guarantee Mali’s qualification for AFCON 2025 ahead of their final group match against Eswatini in Bamako.
However, a win would strengthen their chances of finishing the qualifiers on top.
Mozambique, meanwhile, is under pressure to secure all three points to avoid relying on their final game against Guinea-Bissau, who sit on four points.
A loss or a draw today could leave the Mambas vulnerable to a challenging scenario in their last outing.
Official Line-Ups
Mozambique (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Ernan
Defenders: Infren, Mexer, Reinildo, Bruno
Midfielders: Nené, Guima; Dominguez (C), Clésio, Geny
Forward: Ratifo
Mali (3-6-1):
Goalkeeper: Djigui Diarra
Defenders: Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana, Amadou Dante
Midfielders: Fodé Doucouré, Aliou Dieng, Mohamed Camara, Kamory Doumbia, Yves Bissouma (C), Néné Dorgelès
Forward: El Bilal Touré
Kickoff is set for 16:00 GMT, with anticipation running high in Maputo. The outcome of this encounter could shape the destiny of Group I and determine who advances to Morocco 2025.
