Qualification history
In Group B of the third phase of African Zone qualifying, Mozambique fell just five points short of qualifying for South Africa 2010 and a historic first FIFA World Cup™ finals berth. Finishing in third spot with seven points, behind only Nigeria (12) and Tunisia (11), the Mozambicans underlined their competitiveness by sinking the latter 1-0 at home in their final match – a result that ensured the Super Eagles reached South Africa. In the second phase, they had come second in Group 7 on eight points, four behind Côte d’Ivoire.
The current crop
Mozambique are hopeful of making the jump in quality needed to join Africa’s traditional heavyweights. Though in South Africa 2010 qualifying it was the likes of Cameroon and Ghana that dominated, Angola and Togo’s success in reaching Germany 2006 proves that the mission is not impossible.
The key players
Dario Monteiro is Os Mambas’ most-capped player, while the foreign-based quartet of attacker Domingues, defenders Mexer and Paito and midfielder Simao are all integral members of the side.
Coach: Gert Engels
Best performance in a FIFA competition: None
Former stars: Armando Sa, Chiquinho Conde, Jojo, Tico-Tico
