Mozambique ward off late Pirates attack

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jun 07, 2024. 17:12

Mozambique returned to winning ways in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this week, following a 2-1 victory over Somalia at Estadio do Zimpeto on Friday afternoon.

It was all Mozambique inside the first five minutes at Estadio do Zimpeto as the Mambas’ slick passing moves left the Pirates chasing shadows inside their own half.

As a result of their relentless energy and pressing on the edge of the Somalia area, the Mambas took the lead in the 14^th minute as Alfons Amade added his name to the scoresheet.

Following a corner situation, the Mambas winger rose highest with a commanding header at the near post to give his nation a well-deserved lead.

The Ocean Stars continued to suffer under Mozambique’s tireless running on the edge of their 18-yard-area midway through the first-half, which carved the way through for Stanley Ratifo to add his name to the goal scorers list in the 29^th minute. After latching onto a well-weighted ball between the Somalia centre-backs, Ratifo expertly brought the ball down before slotting the ball home with ease.

The second-half commenced in a similar way to that of the first 45, with Mozambique asserting themselves on the ball early on. Playing immediately on the back foot, Somalia conceded a shot at goal during the first minute of the new half.

In what was a rare attacking move all the way to the Mozambique box soon after the break, the Mambas were let off the hook following Saadiq Elmi’s last ditch goal line clearance to deny Somalia an equalizer.

Following another spirited attacking move, Somalia managed to draw level in the 66^th minute. After a corner situation, Ismail Maxamed latched onto a headed effort directed towards the 6-yard box with a close-range header of his own.

In an attempt to manage Somalia’s second-wind, the pace of the encounter slowed down dramatically toward the 90^th minute mark as a result of Mozambique’s game-management tactics.

Nevertheless, the Mambas held on to secure their second victory in the current CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Mozambique: Ernan, Mexer, Reinildo, Bruno Langa, Domingos Macandza, Domingues (Bauque 61’), Alfons Amade (Nene 85’), Stanley Ratifo (King 70’), Witi (Malembana 70’), Geny Catamo (Vilanculos 85’)

Somalia Jama, Gigli, M.Ali, Awad (Hassan 64’), Abdullahi, Elmi, Mohamed , Haji Mohamed (Maxamed 64’), Suleiman, Abatari (Nur 77’), Yusuf