Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde sets group stage target at AFCON

Mozambique national team head coach Chiquinho Conde has set a target of getting his team out of the group stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Morocco in December.

The Mambas have been drawn in a tough Group H consisting of reigning champions Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Gabon.

‘Our goal is to progress beyond group stage’

“We return to this great African competition renewed, after a very positive campaign. We were in a tough group with teams like Egypt, Ghana, and Cape Verde. Although we achieved our best-ever AFCON performance, we felt we could go further. This time, our goal is to progress beyond the group stage,” said Conde as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“We’ve developed a model suited to our players’ characteristics, always evolving to adapt to different opponents. Football is dynamic — and so are we. “Our qualification for AFCON 2025 came through sacrifice, effort, dedication, and commitment.”

The 59-year-old added: “Our qualification has reignited hope among the Mozambican people. Young players are dreaming again, and our football identity is stronger than ever. This momentum can transform our game for years to come.”

Mozambique will face Ivory Coast in their matchday one at Stade de Marrakech on December 24.