Mozambique reveals squad for AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Mali and Guinea-Bissau

Chiquinho Conde, newly signed as head coach of Mozambique’s national football team, has wasted no time in naming his 24-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Mozambique’s Mambas are set to face off against Mali and Guinea-Bissau in their first two matches of the qualification campaign.

The squad selection features a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, as Conde seeks to strike a balance between experience and youth in his team.

Key players like Reinildo Mandava from Atlético Madrid, Bruno Langa of Almeria, and the promising Geny Catamo from Sporting are all included.

However, the coach has made some notable omissions, choosing to leave out Clésio, Amede, Kadre, Stephen, Hammed, and Lau King, all of whom have been key figures in the past.

One of the standout inclusions in the squad is Elias Macamo, the top scorer in Mozambique’s domestic league, Moçambola.

Macamo has earned his first call-up to the national team, a recognition of his outstanding form at club level.

His inclusion adds a new attacking option for the Mambas as they seek to secure vital points in these early qualifiers.

The Mambas will kick off their campaign in Bamako on September 6, where they will face the Eagles of Mali.

This away fixture poses a tough challenge for Mozambique, as Mali has consistently been one of Africa’s stronger footballing nations.

Four days later, the Mambas will return home to host Guinea-Bissau in what could be a critical match for Mozambique’s hopes of advancing in the competition.

The home fixture is scheduled for September 10.

Conde has selected a well-rounded squad that includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and six forwards.

The composition reflects his focus on building a team that can be solid at the back while having the ability to press forward and create scoring opportunities.

Mozambique’s road to AFCON 2025 will be far from easy, with both Mali and Guinea-Bissau presenting formidable opposition.

Nevertheless, the squad has depth and experience, and the inclusion of rising stars like Macamo gives fans hope that the Mambas can make a serious push for qualification.

The full list of players called up by Mozambique for their AFCON 2025 qualifying matches is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

• Ernâni Siluane (Black Bulls)
• Fazito (Ferroviária de Nampula)
• Ivan Urrubal (UD Songo)

Defenders:

• Domingos Macandza (Costa do Sol)
• Bruno Langa (Almeria)
• Ifren Matola (UD Songo)
• Reinildo Mandava (Atlético Madrid)
• Martinho Thauzene (Black Bulls)
• Edson Mexer (Bandırmaspor)
• David Malembana (Al-Kharitiyath SC)
• Nene (Black Bulls)

Midfielders:

• Amadou (Ihefu)
• Ricardo Guima (Iğdır FK)
• Pepo Santos (Caldas)
• Aly Abudo (Costa do Sol)
• Shaquille Nangy (GD Sagrada Esperança)
• Dominguez Pelembe (UD Songo)

Forwards:

• Geny Catamo (Sporting)
• Witi Quembo (Dibba Al-Hisn)
• Gildo Vilanculos (Academia Coimbrã)
• Jonathan Muiomo (Illertissen)
• Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig)
• Elias Macamo (Desportivo Nacala)

The two fixtures will be vital for Mozambique as they look to establish themselves as contenders in Group C. Their performances against Mali and Guinea-Bissau will set the tone for the rest of their qualifying campaign, as they aim to book a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be held in Morocco.