Mozambique Coach Aims for Victory Against Benin in AFCON Qualifiers
In a press conference on Monday, Mozambique’s national team coach, Chiquinho Conde, stated that his team is determined to secure all three points in the upcoming match against the Beninese team. The two teams are set to face each other in September as part of the sixth round of qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This match marks a crucial opportunity for both countries. Mozambique and Benin will compete in Maputo in September, a match that is part of the sixth and final round of qualifiers for AFCON 2023. The tournament’s final phase will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Côte d’Ivoire.
Currently second in Group L after their victory against Rwanda (2-0), the Mambas only need a draw against the Squirrels to secure their spot in the tournament’s final phase. This task is not impossible for the home team, as they previously defeated the Beninese team in Cotonou (1-0) during the second round.
“Winning the Match… with Humility”
During the press conference where he unveiled the list of selected players for the upcoming match, Mozambique’s national coach, Chiquinho Conde, discussed his team’s objective for the match. The 57-year-old coach assured that his players are not content with merely maintaining their narrow advantage in Group L.
“It’s an extremely delicate match, and we need to calm our spirits and overcome our biggest opponent, which is anxiety. The excitement is high, but we need to remain calm, even though we’re playing at home. The idea is to be dominant at all times, play naturally, and have fun without solely focusing on the result,” said the coach of the Mambas, in remarks translated from Portuguese by 24H football.
“We will win the match, with humility and without underestimating the opponent. We have a mix of experienced players and newcomers, which gives us a good blend,” he added. Unlike the squad that defeated the Squirrels in June, this new list by Chiquinho Conde features some changes, with the additions of Ricardo Guimarães and Jonathan Muiomo to bolster the team, as reported.
“Being Present from the First Minute”
At 27 years old, Ricardo Guimarães is a midfielder playing for GD Chaves in the Portuguese top division. As for Jonathan Muiomo, he is a 24-year-old midfielder who plays in the German fourth division with CZ Jena. However, two key players, Reinildo Mandava and Zainadine Junior, are absent from the list.
This new lineup won’t alter the Mambas’ playing style, reassured the Mozambican tactician. “Despite the inclusion of new players, we will maintain the same playing style and system, trying to be aggressive from the first minute and adjusting the tactical approach based on the opponent,” explained Coach Conde.
“All conditions are in place for us to bring joy to the people with success and brilliance,” he concluded. The match is scheduled for September 9, 2023, at Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo at 3:00 PM GMT.
