Conde calls for another collective effort from Mozambique

Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde warned his team against complacency when they host Eswatini in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Estadio do Zimpeto on Friday, October 11.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM:

The Mambas have made an unbeaten start to their qualifying campaign and they've enjoyed a fine run of form in 2024, losing just one of their nine matches since the turn of the year.

Conde's side played out to a 1-1 draw with Group I favourites Mali in Bamako on September 6 and extended their undefeated streak to five games following a 2-1 win over Guinea-Bissau on Maputo four days later.

The Southeastern Africans, who made only their fifth tournament appearance at Afcon 2023, top the group ahead of the Eagles on goals scored, with the Djurtus a further point behind in third place.

Eswatini made a coaching change in August after losing their opening four qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, although Zdravko Logarusic's reign has started poorly.

The King's Shield suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Guinea-Bissau and Mali last month to sit bottom of the group, although Logarusic admits that Mozambique will present a tough challenge as he goes in search of his first win at the helm.

WHAT WAS SAID:

Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde

"We are in a privileged position, but not a comfortable one. The position we occupy is the result of collective effort, but it does not mean that we are comfortable.

"We have quality athletes, some competing in top leagues such as the Champions League, and this is a reflection of our unity and humility. However, nothing is guaranteed, and we will have to work hard to achieve our goals."

Eswatini head coach Zdravko Logarusic

"Mozambique is a good team as they have players who play their club football in Europe. They got good results in the previous matches in the group which makes them the best team in the group at the present moment."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Mozambique - Geny Catamo has been in a rich vein of form for his country this year, scoring three goals in six appearances. The 23-year-old winger caught the eye in the 2-2 draw with Ghana at Afcon 2023 when he pulled one back from the penalty in the 91st minute before setting up Reinildo for a dramatic equaliser three minutes later. He also found the back of the net against Mali last month, having opened the scoring on 37 minutes only for Yves Bissouma to equalise in the 52nd minute.

Eswatini - Justice Figuareido has been in and out of the team in recent years and was recalled for last month's matches after missing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June. The 26-year-old striker registered his first international goal in the 3-0 win over Somalia in March which helped the King's Shield reach the group phase of the qualifiers.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Matches - 2

Mozambique wins - 1

Eswatini wins - 1

Draws - 0