Four times of asking and four times have they failed, the Mambas are in their 5th African Cup of Nations and it's time to end this "jinx" has plagued the team, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The task to achieve this feat comes again with a hurdle to cross against powerhouse like Egypt,Ghana and Cape Verde in group B, but it seems an absence from the African Football showpiece after 13 years is a big boost for the East Africans.
Who strikes for the Manbas
The Mozambique team have a blend of old and new generation of players with 13 local players and 10 foreign-base players. This might just be what they need in the 34th edition of the AFCON in Cote D'Ivoire.
Elias Gaspar Pelembe, 40 in the midfield, is one of the experience player of the team and he will prove vital for the Mozambicans after 101 appearances and 16 goals.
Bruno Langa of Chaves in Portugal another star in defense will come handy for Mozambique. Another is Edson André Sitoe) with 56 caps to his name and have played in the French Ligue 1 and Portuguese league.
Coach
Chiquinho Conde, 56 after replacing dismissed Horácio Gonçalves in 2021 will be seeking to do that which no coach of the side has done. Going beyond the group stage will be a dream come through for the ex international of the country.
Mozambique full squad
Goalkeepers: Ernan Alberto Siluane (União Desportiva de Songo), Fasistêncio Maria Faza João (Nampula Railway Club), Ivane Carmínio Urrubal (Black Bulls Association).
Defenders: Domingos João Macandza (Costa do Sol), Infren Matola (União Desportiva de Songo), Edmilson Dove (Kaizer Chiefs, SA), Bruno Langa (GD Chaves), Reinildo Mandava (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Edson Sitóe (Bandirmaspor, Turkey), David Malembana (FC Noah, Armenia), Feliciano João Jone (Black Bulls Association).
Midfielders: Amade Momade (Beira Railway), João Bonde (Beira Railway Club), Ricardo Guimaraes (GD Chaves, Portugal), Shaquille Momade Nangy (Maputo Railway), Alfonso Amade (Oostende, Belgium), Elias Gaspar Pelembe (União Desportiva de Songo).
Forwards: Clésio Bauque (FC Honka, Finland), Geny Catamo (Sporting CP, Portugal), Witiness Quembo (Madeira National, Portugal), Gildo Vilanculos (Covilhã SC, Portugal), Stanley Ratifo (CfR Pforzheim, Germany), Pachoio Lau Ha King (Sagrada Esperança, Angola).
Mozambique start its campaign with a big challenge against 7-time champions, Egypt on Sunday, 14 January.
Uche Dozie