Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has vowed to bring joy to the people by securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea-Bissau at the Estadio 24 de Setembro on Tuesday, November 19.
Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
Current form:
Demonstrations took place across Mozambique last week after a general strike was announced to protest the outcome of the general elections that took place in October.
The Mambas are still in a strong position to finish runners-up to Mali in Group I despite being beaten 1-0 by the Eagles in Maputo on November 15 amid the unrest.
Conde's side had previously been undefeated in the group after recording two wins and two draws from their opening four matches, putting them on eight points.
Guinea-Bissau trail them by three points in third place, with a 1-1 draw against Eswatini in Mbombela on November 15 having hardly helped their cause.
The Djurtus have now picked up just two points from their last four games after kicking off their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over the King's Shield on September 5.
Luis Boa Morte's side fell to a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture and have yet to get the better of the Southeastern Africans in three attempts.
What was said:
Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde
"All of us, the coaching staff and the players, are sensitive and aware of what has been happening in the country. It is for them that we will always fight to achieve something great.
"We want to bring joy and satisfaction to all those who in one way or another feel sad and disappointed with everything that is our experience. Therefore, we will do everything to minimise the suffering and bring joy to the people."
Players to watch:
Guinea-Bissau - Boa Morte will be banking on the experienced Mama Balde to get his team a result in Bissau. The 29-year-old striker has scored two goals in 10 Ligue 1 appearances for Brest this season and he was on target in the last meeting with the Mambas - his only goal in qualifying to date.
Mozambique - Geny Catamo is growing in stature after a fine year for the national team. The 23-year-old winger scored his first Africa Cup of Nations goal in the 2-2 draw with Ghana on January 22 and has started every game since then, getting on the scoresheet three times in his next seven outings.
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 3
Guinea-Bissau wins - 0
Mozambique wins - 1
Draws - 2