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The Mambas of Mozambique are not going to cower in front of the bigger names at AFCON 2023 as they look to cause a stir in Ivory Coast
Atletico Madrid star Reinildo Mandava has spoken about his country, Mozambique’s chances at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, revealing some of the minnows’ plans to shock the bigger names in the competition.
Atletico Madrid to lose star player during AFCON
As La Liga resumes its pulsating action in the new year, Atletico Madrid gears up for a challenging period due to the impending 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Diego Simeone's side currently positioned third in the league table, bracing for a demanding schedule and the unavoidable absence of key players for international duties.
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15:48 - 31.12.2023
AFCON Countdown: Nigeria Super Eagles primed to end 10-year long drought
Nigeria Super Eagles will battle host Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A at the AFCON 2023.
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Among the notable absentees from Atletico's lineup is Mozambique's most influential star, Reinildo.
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Despite grappling with recent injury setbacks, the 29-year-old defender is poised to play a pivotal role for his national team in Ivory Coast, a fact that prompts strategic adjustments within Simeone's squad, as per reports from Mundo Deportivo.
Reinildo and Mozambique's AFCON Aspirations
Reinildo, a standout name on Mozambique's AFCON roster, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament and conveyed, emphasising the unity and spirit pivotal for their ambitions on the continental stage, saying, "The entire group is united, happy, and focused on working, because there is no success without work or sacrifice.”
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Mozambique's return to the Africa Cup of Nations after a lengthy absence since 2010 signifies a renewed opportunity for the nation. Despite never progressing beyond the group stages in their history, Mandava exudes confidence in his team's potential to defy odds and make a mark against formidable opponents boasting established stars.
Challenges and Hopes for Mozambique
Acknowledging the competition's intensity, Mandava acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead for Mozambique. "We're going to find great teams with big names at AFCON," he stated, highlighting the level of competition awaiting them. However, Mandava remains optimistic, banking on the unity and collective effort of his squad to potentially rewrite Mozambique's AFCON history.
The Mambas of Mozambique will have to face two of the continent’s biggest names in Group B of the 2023 AFCON, as they contend with Ghana, Egypt and Cape Verde for a place in the second round of the competition.
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