Mozambique bolstered by return of key players ahead of crucial Guinea-Bissau clash
Mozambique will be at full strength for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, with coach Chiquinho Conde welcoming back two vital players, Witi and Dominguez, just in time for the crucial encounter on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
After a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali, the Mambas are aiming to secure their first win of the qualifiers to position themselves at the top of Group I.
Their opponents, Guinea-Bissau, are coming off a narrow but significant 1-0 victory over Eswatini, making this match a pivotal one for both teams as they seek to gain an early advantage in the group.
Chiquinho Conde expressed cautious optimism ahead of the match, acknowledging the challenge posed by Guinea-Bissau but also emphasizing his team’s preparedness.
The return of winger Witi and captain Dominguez, who has recovered from a recent injury, is a significant boost for Mozambique’s chances.
Both players are expected to play crucial roles in helping the Mambas overcome the formidable Djurtus.
“Guinea-Bissau has changed coach, and with that comes a new approach, but we also have our own way of playing,” Conde said during the pre-match press conference.
“The good news is that Witi is already here, and captain Dominguez is recovering. Our goal is to win, whether it’s with more or less difficulty.”
The match is set to kick off at 1 p.m. GMT at the Zimpeto National Stadium, where the Mozambican team will have the advantage of playing on home soil.
Conde has called on the local supporters to turn out in force, highlighting the critical role they play in driving the team to victory.
“Our fans are our 12th man, and their support will be crucial in helping us secure the three points,” Conde emphasized.
“We are determined to give our best and achieve a positive result against a strong opponent, and with the backing of our supporters, we believe we can accomplish that.”
Mozambique’s preparation for this match has been intense, with the team focused on refining their strategy and building on the momentum from their draw against Mali.
The return of Witi, known for his pace and creativity on the wing, and Dominguez, whose experience and leadership are invaluable, has injected renewed confidence into the squad.
The match against Guinea-Bissau represents not only a chance to climb to the top of the group but also an opportunity for Mozambique to demonstrate their capability to compete at the highest level.
With a full squad available and the support of their fans, the Mambas are poised to give a strong performance in their quest to qualify for the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.
As the team prepares for this crucial encounter, the anticipation is high, with both players and fans eager to see Mozambique take a decisive step forward in their qualifying campaign.
The outcome of Tuesday’s match could set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers, making it a must-watch for all supporters of African football.
