Mozambique target historic first Afcon win in Morocco

Former international Manuel Bucuane believes Mozambique can win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and overturn a difficult draw to reach the knockout stage.

In five of their previous attempts, the Mambas have drawn five and lost ten of their final matches, but have never advanced past the group stage.

Bucuane is confident despite the difficult task that Chiquinho Conde’s side will face in Group F against the holders Ivory Coast, five-time champions Cameroon, and a Gabon side led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The retired striker told BBC Sport Africa, “Mozambique doesn’t always play at this level, so whenever the team qualifies, it’s a big accomplishment for the country.”

“The team is expanding, and there are many promising young players. Players are demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.

“We’re hoping to win the game for the first time or even advance to the next stage.”

The team has improved since Chiquinho Conde took over (in October 2021),” said Bucuane, 52.

We have allowed naturalized players to join the national team, which is a very significant step because they are competitive and come from a different background.

“We showed glimpses of what we can accomplish in Ivory Coast.” We maintained the hope until the very end for the first time in World Cup qualifiers.

Our hope is that something will happen this time around.

For the first time, the squad features a Premier League regular and players who have been preparing for Europe’s elite continental club competition, which is one reason to be optimistic.

When left-back Reinildo made his Sunderland debut in August after leaving Atletico Madrid, he became the first Mozambican to make an appearance in the English Premier League.

In addition, Geny Catamo and defender Bruno Langa both played for Pafos and Sporting CP in the Champions League this year, respectively.

Reinildo’s participation in the Premier League is extremely beneficial for the nation, Bucuane said.

He actually opens the door in England while carrying the Mozambique flag.

“But we also have Bruno playing for Pafos, who also play in the Champions League, and Geny playing for Sporting, who have won the championship twice in a row.

All of these players’ gained experience is being re-introduced to the national team.

Bucuane, dubbed Tico Tico, deserves a place in the Afcon history of Mozambique.

At the 1996 South Africa tournament, he scored the first national goal of all time as the Mambas won 1-1 against Tunisia.

A defender on the left flank was denied a good strike, cutting into the box, and firing in a low right-footed effort from just outside the six-yard box was a good one as well.

“That day was special,” she said. He recalled how it was very emotional.

“It was unbelievable.” I continue to watch the game even today because I have it on tape.

It still makes me shiver. This kind of individual solo goal is not typically my style. I always finish the assists or crosses in the box, more like a tap-in player.

People in Mozambique still think of me as a legend because of those experiences.