Source: @CAF Online
Mozambique have given their squad a familiar South African connection with Polokwane City midfielder Manuel Kambala earning selection for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ethiopia this month.
The Mambas head into the November double-header with a valuable opportunity to strengthen their position in Group J, where Senegal currently occupy first place. Four points from their first two fixtures have put Mozambique in second, leaving Chiquinho Conde’s men with plenty to play for in the race for qualification.
Former Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City defender Edmilson also features in the 26-man selection. His inclusion adds experience to a defensive unit that will need to remain disciplined across two meetings with an Ethiopian side looking to improve its position in the group.
Kambala’s selection will also attract attention in South African football circles. The Polokwane City midfielder has earned recognition at international level through his club performances, giving the Limpopo outfit another representative on the continental stage.
Conde Rewards New Talent and Recalls Familiar Faces
Conde has made a few notable selection decisions, with Associação Black Bulls defender Cremildo Mussanganhe receiving his first senior national team call-up.
The defender has enjoyed a productive spell with the Mozambican club, which secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. His inclusion offers Conde another defensive option and gives the newcomer an opportunity to establish himself within the national setup.
Midfielder Keyns Abdala also returns to the squad after his absence. The Chaves player brings European club experience to a midfield that includes Sporting Lisbon’s Geny Catamo, who remains one of Mozambique’s most recognisable attacking talents.
However, the coach will have to manage without Gildo Vilanculos. The Alcochetense attacker has been ruled out through injury after picking up a problem during Mozambique’s victory over Sudan. His absence removes one attacking option from the squad, while Black Bulls defender Celton Jamisse has also missed out.
Mozambique’s results in the opening two rounds have given them a useful platform. Their 1-1 draw with Senegal in Maputo demonstrated their ability to compete with the group favourites, while the subsequent 4-1 victory over Sudan provided a welcome boost to their goal difference.
The next two fixtures could prove decisive in the group standings. Mozambique host Ethiopia in Maputo on Friday, 13 November, before travelling to Bahir Dar for the return encounter on Tuesday, 17 November.
Conde will want his team to make home advantage count in the first meeting. A strong result in Maputo would put Mozambique in a favourable position heading into the away fixture, although Ethiopia will have their own plans to disrupt the hosts’ progress.
With Senegal setting the pace, Mozambique cannot afford to let valuable points slip away. The Mambas have put themselves in a competitive position, but these two encounters will provide a stern test of their qualification credentials.
