Mozambique coach Conde earns contract extension

Mozambique national team coach Francisco Queriol Conde Júnior (Chiquinho Conde) has earned a contract extension after a historic appearance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.

A statement from the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF) confirmed the renewal of the contract for the 60-year-old by a year.

“FMF informs the public, partners, and media outlets that a new contract has been formalized with the Senior National Team Coach, Francisco Queriol Conde Júnior,” reads the statement, released on Saturday.

Why Mozambique coach Conde earned a new deal

“The contract covers the period from February 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027. This decision is part of the FMF’s institutional planning for the current competitive cycle, ensuring the continuity of the National Team’s technical structure.

“The FMF continues with the implementation of the actions foreseen in its strategic plan for the development of national football.”

The contract of the former Sporting Club striker expired in January 2026, a month after he led the Mambas to the AFCON finals.

The former Mambas striker is credited with steering Mozambique to the 2023 and 2025 AFCON finals. In the last edition held in Morocco, Mozambique lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast and Cameroon (2-1) before beating Gabon 3-2 for the first-ever victory at the tournament.

The single win secured the Mambas a Round-of-16 berth, again for the first time. Eventually, Mozambique lost 4-0 to Nigeria to exit the AFCON finals.

Conde took over from Horacio Goncalves in 2021 after his Portuguese predecessor was sacked after just six months in charge.