AFCON 2025: Mozambique Coach Places Hopes On 42 Year Old Midfielder Against Nigeria
By Saheed Afolabi (Live In Morocco)
Mozambique gaffer, Francisco Conde has placed the hopes of his side upsetting Nigeria in the round of 16 of the 2025 AFCON on the shoulders of 42 year old midfielder, Elias Pelembe.
The Mambas lost against Ivory Coast, Cameroon in group F while their only group win came against Gabon as they qualified to the round of 16 as one of the third best places team.
Conde said the Mozambique team is a combination of both young and experienced players Which has strengthened his side at the in Morocco.
He emphasized that his team depends on collective strength and they doesn’t have individual qualities to match the Super Eagles players.
“It is a big mix of young people and experienced players as well, so this is our strength. We don’t have Victor Osimhen, but we have Elias Pelembe the team’s captain, who is 42 years old and others who are 19, 20, 21 years old,” he said.
“The strength that we have is a collective strength. We are not thinking about one player alone, either Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman, but we will play Nigeria as a whole team.”
Conde however dismissed the fears card within the Mambas and revealed that big names don’t win matches while he expresses excitement over the monetary packages promised by the President of Mozambique in ensuring they stun Nigeria.
“Names and jerseys don’t win games. My players have shown that when they played against several other big players.
“This is historic. This is the first time we are in the round of 16. We are very happy and satisfied. Our president is someone who loves football. We are grateful that he is there for us and pushes us and he knows that we are able to win this game. That is the reason he made a promise to us.”
Nigeria will battle Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 AFCON at the Fez Stadium, Fes, Morocco on Monday, January 5th 2025.
