Mozambique: Holders UD Songo, Black Bulls FC in winning start

Mozambique’s Moçambola league finally got underway on Sunday, 3 May 2026, when defending champions União Desportiva de Songo (UD Songo) made a winning start.

UD Songo beat 1-0 Chingale de Tete via a 53rd-minute goal from Alcides, and in another game elsewhere, Ferroviário de Nacala thumped Ferroviário de Nampula 3-1.

Dario Melo opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Ivan added the second goal three minutes before the break, then Jacob grabbed the third goal a minute after the restart.

Mozambique league giants UD Songo collect maximum points

A minute later, Nazir pulled one back for Ferroviário de Nampula in what was the last goal of the Nacala Derby.

Elsewhere, Angelo Cantolo was on the scoresheet as 2024 winners Black Bulls, featuring Malawian debutant Wisdom Mpinganjira, beat Ferroviário de Maputo 1-0.

The league has finally kicked off after experiencing hitches. Mozambique Football League (MFL) has been trying to put its house in order after Moçambola faced severe operational challenges last season.

Mozambique league challenges

The hitches emanated from unsustainable club debts and logistical challenges due to the long distances between provinces which make it difficult for clubs to travel by road to fulfil fixtures.

To address the logistical challenges, MFL and national flag carrier Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique entered into an agreement to fly the clubs when fulfilling fixtures.

Among other changes, a travelling team will now be playing two or more opponents from the same province on a particular weekend to reduce air ticket costs.

Last season, Moçambola ended abruptly with three rounds of games remaining due to a lack of funds.