AFCON legend Pelembe survives Mozambique club clearout

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) oldest player Elias Dominguez Pelembe has survived a mass clearout at Mozambique league champions UD Songo.

The 42-year-old was a regular for the Mambas squad that crashed out of the ongoing AFCON finals in Morocco after losing 4-0 to Nigeria in a Round-of-16 match the previous week. Pelembe has since retired from international football.

Overall, he was the second oldest player to grace the AFCON finals after Essam El Hadary who featured for Egypt at AFCON aged 44 over a decade ago.

AFCON legend Pelembe assured of UD Songo stay

Now, Pelembe is assured of employment next month with UD Songo. The Tete-based club announced the release of five key players, including Malawian international Richard Mbulu.

The ex-Baroka FC forward was shown the exit door alongside Mozambican international Lau King, defender Daniel Mutambe, right-winger Nelson Divrassone and goalkeeper Julius Franque.

In a statement, the Moçambola champions acknowledged the contribution of the axed players last season.

“The Songo Sports Union recognizes and appreciates the professionalism, dedication and commitment shown throughout your journey with the club.
Your contribution has been crucial to the achievements achieved and the affirmation of UDS in national championship,”reads the statement.

“The Songo Sports Union expresses its deep recognition for the professionalism, dedication and sense of responsibility demonstrated throughout your journey with the club. Your presence and contribution were important to consolidating the sports project, reflecting on the collective performance and the results achieved.”

Meanwhile, Mutambe has been linked with a move to Angolan club Sagrada Esperança, where King previously played for.

Coach Dude Razaque’s club won the Moçambola league title with three games to spare after the Mozambique Football League ended the season prematurely.

The league’s governing body justified the premature conclusion of the season to financial problems and expiration of contracts for all players for clubs involved in the league.