As Mozambique prepare to embark on another Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, national team coach Chiquinho Conde and captain Dominguez are in rare but firm agreement: winning the opening match is absolutely crucial.
Speaking on Tuesday morning at a press conference to launch Mozambique’s first Group match at the Morocco-hosted AFCON, both men stressed that a positive start could be decisive in shaping the Mambas’ journey in the tournament.
In competitions such as AFCON, where the group stage consists of just three matches, victory in the opener significantly boosts qualification prospects. A single win often places a team on the brink of progression — either as one of the top two in the group, who qualify automatically for the knockout phase, or as one of the four best third-placed teams who also advance.
“Experience tells us that the first match is extremely important in tournaments of this nature, and we want to start well,” said Chiquinho Conde, quoted by local media, underlining the tactical and psychological weight of the opening fixture.
Captain Dominguez echoed his coach’s sentiments, noting that momentum can be everything at this level. “It is always good to begin in the best possible way. That is what we all want,” he said, reflecting the mood within the Mozambican camp.
Beyond tactics and statistics, there is also history at stake. Mozambique are chasing their first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations, having made five previous appearances without recording a win — a run that includes four draws. That elusive triumph has become both a challenge and a source of motivation for the current generation.
Both Chiquinho Conde and Dominguez expressed strong belief that this campaign could mark a turning point, not only in results but also in how Mozambican football is perceived on the continental stage.
As the Mambas prepare to take to the field Wednesday (24) in Morocco, against the powerhouse Cote D’Ivoire, expectations are measured but hope is unmistakably alive. For Mozambique, the opening match is more than just the first step — it could be the key that unlocks history.
