AFCON: Mozambique return home five days after exit

The delegation for Mozambique will arrive back home five days after exiting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.

The Mambas bowed out of the competition from the Round-of-16 after suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria on Monday.

While some teams that played around the same time or a day earlier on in the week have arrived home, the Mambas are still in transit.

South Africa played on Sunday, a day before Mozambique, yet returned home on Wednesday. The DR Congo players have also retreated back home after losing 1-0 to Algeria on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Mozambique Football Federation (FMF) said the Mambas only left their base in Agadir on Friday and will jet back home on Saturday in batches.

“The national team’s return is taking place in phases. The first group of the day is scheduled to arrive in Maputo at 7:35 am and consists of players Manuel Kambala and Óscar Cherene, coaches Eduardo Jumisse, Guilherme Vasconcelos and Neves Limpo Júnior, doctor Mussa Calú, as well as Énio Saize and Florêncio Mahumane, members of the staff,” reads the statement.

Mozambique competed in Group F at AFCON

“Shortly after, at 8:15 am, a second group will arrive in Maputo, consisting of athletes Dominguez, Ernan, and Chamboco.

“At 1:00 pm, the arrival of André Piripiri (physical trainer), Alberto Solomone (masseur), Sténor Tomo (communications), as well as vice-presidents Jorge Bambo and Martinho Macuana, is expected, completing the main flow of people returning to the country’s capital.

“Meanwhile, Gildo Vilanculos is scheduled to arrive in the city of Beira at 12:25 pm, joining his compatriots after fulfilling the international commitments of the National Team.”

Mozambique’s travel schedule mirrors the issue of travel logistical hitches that pose a challenge to the teams’ performance on the pitch.

Mozambique competed in Group F which saw them losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast before bouncing back to edge Gabon 3-2, only for a 2-1 loss to Cameroon to bring them a reality check.

With just three points, Chiquinho Conde’s men managed to reach the Round-of-16 for the first time before suffering the heavy loss to the Super Eagles.