Mozambique’s national football team coach, Chiquinho Conde, has pledged commitment and humility as his squad aims to defy history against formidable opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025).
The team faces a significant challenge, having been drawn into Group F alongside defending champions Ivory Coast, six-time winners Cameroon, and Gabon. Mozambique has never advanced past the group stage in its five previous CAN appearances.
“We don’t go in on tiptoes,” Conde told Lusa news agency. “We wear our overalls, with our humility, with our belief, believing in our potential, always, regardless of opponents, but always with the same humility.”
Conde, now in his second consecutive term coaching the Mambas at the continental tournament, stressed a clear objective. “It must always be clear in our minds that winning is our main objective, but if we can’t win, we can never afford to lose,” he stated.
The coach acknowledged the “great responsibility” in the opening match against Ivory Coast on December 24, a fixture he views as a critical test. He promised intense preparation to ready his players for this initial confrontation.
“What I promise is that we will work hard so that, in fact, our players can be very well prepared for this first confrontation,” Conde said. He added that the team hopes to offer “this fantastic gift on family day, to our family first, and then to all Mozambicans.”
Mozambique’s return to the CAN in 2024 (for the 2023 tournament, postponed) under Conde’s leadership marked their first appearance in 13 years. He had also played in the competition three times.
The coach recognized that the dream of a final victory is ever-present. He emphasized that the immediate goal is to win at least one game, specifically the first, to set the tone for the tournament.
Conde admitted that the preparation week would be short, given that many players compete in Europe. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s readiness.
A final training camp will take place in Algarve, Portugal, starting December 13. Conde plans to focus on tactical and psychological aspects, building on the experience gained by the team, which also competed for a spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“We will study our opponent much better, who is very powerful,” Conde said. The team is also scheduled for a friendly match against Angola, another CAN 2025 participant, on December 16 in Algarve.
This match will allow Conde to experiment with players and give them crucial minutes ahead of the competition. He believes the current Mozambican squad is better prepared than in previous years.
“We are better prepared than we were years ago,” he asserted. “Life helps us understand that we can be better.”
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.