Mozambique’s national team, led by head coach Chiquinho Conde, is gearing up for a critical juncture in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
As the southern African nation prepares to face Somalia on Friday, 07 June, followed by Guinea three days later, Conde and his team are filled with hope and ambition.
Conde, a former national team captain, has seen his side make significant strides in recent times, particularly noted during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite not progressing far in the tournament, Mozambique’s performance showcased their potential and growth. Conde reflects on this experience, attributing the team’s improvement to their resilience and tenacity.
“I confess that it wasn’t a complete success overall, because we wanted more despite no one believing in us being in a group with Egypt, the team with the most titles and Ghana, which has also won an AFCON and boasts brilliant players playing in European leagues,” Conde said in an interview with CAFOnline.
“There was also Cape Verde, which was a surprise to some but not to me because they have players with a lot of experience in European football. We were practically the outsiders, and we aimed to do our best.”
The draw against Egypt, secured in the final minutes of their match, was a bittersweet moment for Mozambique. Although it prevented them from advancing, it highlighted their capability to compete with top-tier teams.
“We deserved to progress for our bravery and the way we faced the game. We were close to achieving something different, but we learned a lot,” Conde remarked.
As Mozambique looks ahead to the World Cup qualifiers, they find themselves in a challenging group that includes formidable opponents like Algeria and Guinea. Conde remains optimistic about their chances, drawing on their experiences from the AFCON.
“We are in a tough group; it’s not new. We’ve been in a difficult group, considered the ‘group of death’ in the AFCON, and we played on equal footing with these great teams,” he noted.
The Mozambican squad is not daunted by the tough competition. Instead, they are motivated by the dream of playing in the World Cup. “Playing in the World Cup is a dream for the players, and as a coach, I would love to be there.
Today, the number of teams qualifying for the World Cup has increased, and we have a dream. We will fight to achieve our goals with humility and respect for our opponents, regardless of their calibre,” Conde stated.
Their immediate challenge is hosting Somalia in Maputo, a fixture that, while seemingly manageable, requires careful preparation and respect for the opponent. “Theoretically, they are an opponent within our reach, but as I said before, they deserve our respect and focus.
We are already analysing their strengths, and as the saying goes, ‘better safe than sorry.’ We will approach the game with the same humility and responsibility,” Conde emphasized.
Mozambique’s home advantage is seen as a crucial factor in their favor. “We are confident of playing at home, where we are in charge, and we will not take anything for granted,” Conde added.
The expansion of African teams at the World Cup presents a significant opportunity for Mozambique. Conde sees this as both a chance and a responsibility. “Obviously, this is a significant step given the quality of most African players who play for major European and international teams.
It is a great opportunity, but also a great responsibility because it is the biggest global event. It opens up the opportunity for all of us to continue our dream. Being at the World Cup is the dream of all of us,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Conde dreams not just of qualifying, but of making a meaningful impact if they reach the World Cup. “We still have matches to play in this first round, followed by the second round. All of us have this possibility.
Now, if we achieve this feat, it will certainly be the pinnacle of any player’s career, and I, as the coach, would be associated with the greatest moment in our football history. We will then start thinking about the next phase once we have accomplished this one,” he concluded.
As Mozambique prepares for their upcoming qualifiers, the dream of making it to the 2026 World Cup fuels their determination. Under Conde’s leadership, the team is poised to fight with passion, humility, and respect, aiming to carve out a historic chapter in their football journey.
Photo: CAF Online
