Mozambique are participating in their sixth Africa Cup of Nations finals, held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. The Mambas have never secured a win in their previous five appearances, recording four draws and eleven defeats across 15 matches.
Former international Manuel Bucuane, known as Tico-Tico, expressed confidence that Mozambique can reach the knockout stage. Tico-Tico scored Mozambique's first Afcon goal in 1996.
Coach Chiquinho Conde and captain Dominguez also stressed the importance of a strong start to their campaign. Mozambique are in Group F, facing defending champions Ivory Coast, five-time winners Cameroon, and Gabon.
Their opening fixture is against Ivory Coast on Wednesday, 24 December, in Marrakech. The top two teams from each group, plus four best third-placed sides, will progress to the knockout stage.
