Mozambique have disappointed on the international stage given the talent available in the country, though the fortunes of the side were not helped by a long and bitter cival war that raged from 1977 to 1992.
In fact, the side only entered its first qualification campaign for the Nations Cup in 1982, with the Federação Moçambicana de Futebol having only been affiliated to FIFA two years earlier.
They failed in that attempt, but did win a place at the 1986 finals in the Egypt, losing all three of their group matches without scoring a goal.
It would be another decade before they would appear again, this time in South Africa in 1996, where they lost to Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, but did manage to gain their first finals point with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia.
Two years later they were back, this time in Burkina Faso, but once again they lost three from three.
They will believe they have a good chance of making it to the 2010 finals in Angola having been drawn in a qualifying group with heavyweights Nigeria and Tunisia, but also Kenya, who The Mambas will feel they should beat.
The side is lead by Dutch coach Mart Nooij, who has been in charge since 2007.
Ronald Ketjijere of Namibia and Reginaldo Fait of Mozambique in action during their Afcon qualifying match in Windhoek on 16 October. Namibia won the match 1-0. Photo: Helge Schutz
Namibia striker Peter Shalulile on the attack against Mozambique during their Afcon qualifying match in Windhoek on 16 October. Namibia won the match 1-0. Photo: Helge Schutz
Namibia midfielder Willy Stephanus on the attack against Mozambique during their Afcon qualifying match in Windhoek on 16 October. Namibia won the match 1-0. Photo: Helge Schutz
Namibia wing back Riaan Hanamub and Witinesse Quembo of Mozambique in action during their Afcon qualifying match in Windhoek on 16 October 2018. Namibia won the match 1-0. Photo: Helge Schutz
Fanomezana Claudel of Madagascar challenged by Arnaldo Caminho of Mozambique during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Andoniaina Andriaminavalona of Madagascar (L)
Arnaldo Caminho of Mozambique challenged by Sarivahy Vombola of Madagascar during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Rinjala Raherinaivo of Madagascar challenged by Arnaldo Caminho of Mozambique during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Andriamirado Andrianarimanana of Madagascar challenged by Abilio Moucuona of Mozambique during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Feliciano Jone of Mozambique challenged by Andoniaina Andrianavalona of Madagascar during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Arnaldo Caminho of Mozambique challenged by Sarivahy Vombola of Madagascar during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Fanomezana Claudel of Madagascar challenged by Arnaldo Caminho of Mozambique during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Nuno De Sousa of Mozambique challenged by Jaotombo Bourahim of Madagascar during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Rinjala Raherinanaivo of Madagascar challenged by Scander Matimbe of Mozambique during the 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Madagascar at Morulen Stadium, Rustenburg South Africa on 30 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Gervais Waye Hive of Seychelles challenged by Arnaldo Caminho of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Seychelles and Mozambique at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 28 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Karl Hall of Seychelles challenged by Abilio Maucuona of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Seychelles and Mozambique at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 28 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Rashim Padayachy of Seychelles challenged by Francisco Simbine of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Seychelles and Mozambique at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 28 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Karl Hall of Seychelles challenged by Danilo Muze of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Seychelles and Mozambique at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 28 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Joao Simango of Mozambique challenged by Bertrand Esther of Seychelles during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Seychelles and Mozambique at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 28 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Karl Hall of Seychelles challenged by Danilo Muze of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Seychelles and Mozambique at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on 28 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Jameson Mukombwe of Zimbabwe challenged by Shelton Dava of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 26 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Liberty Chakoroma of Zimbabwe challenged by Mamo Saide of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 26 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Ovidy Karuru of Zimbabwe challenged by Abilio Moucuona of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 26 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Nelson Divrassone of Mozambique challenged by Liberty Chakoroma of Zimbabwe during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 26 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Shelton Dava of Mozambique challenged by John Takwara of Zimbabwe during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 26 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
John Takwara of Zimbabwe challenged by Abilio Moucuona of Mozambique during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 26 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Jimmy Tigere of Zimbabwe during the Cosafa Castle Cup match between Mozambique and Zimbabwe at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 26 June 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Deon Hotto of Namibia challenged by Pedro Timbe of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wangu Gome of Namibia challenged by Pedro Timbe of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wangu Gome of Namibia challenged by Pedro Timbe of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Peter Shalilule of Namibia tackled by Bruno Alberto Langa of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Bruno Alberto Langa of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wangu Gome of Namibia challenged by Lourenco Waruma of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Joao Mussica of Mozambique clears ball from Peter Shalilule of Namibia during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Luis Miquissone of Mozambique tackles Wangu Gome of Namibia during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Peter Shalilule of Namibia challenged by Joao Mussica of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Peter Shalilule of Namibia challenged by Joao Mussica of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Plate Semifinal match between Namibia and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 21 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Lomalisa Mutambala of DR Congo tackled by Luis Miquissone of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Lobi Manzoki of DR Congo tackled by Teca Jorge of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Doxa Gikanji of DR Congo tackled by Gildo Vilanculos of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Joao Mussica of Mozambique challenged by Lobi Manzoki of DR Congo during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Mombo Lusala of DR Congo challenged by Pedro Timbe of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sedeick Ngulubi of DR Congo challenged by Pedro Timbe of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Lobi Manzoki of DR Congo challenged by Lourenco Waruma of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sedeick Ngulubi of DR Congo challenged by Pedro Timbe of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sedeick Ngulubi of DR Congo challenged by Pedro Timbe of Mozambique during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Joao Mazive of Mozambique challenged by Lobi Manzoki of DR Congo during the 2016 Cosafa Cup Quarterfinals match between DR Congo and Mozambique at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek Namibia on 19 June, 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Reinildo Matsimbe of Mozambique challenging Harrison Afful of Ghana during the 2017 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers ©Christian Thompson/BackpagePix
Edmison Dove of Mozambique challenged Adbul-Majeed Waris of Ghana during the 2017 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers ©Christian Thompson/BackpagePix
Zainadine Junior of Mozambique challenge Christian Atsu of Ghana during the 2017 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers ©Christian Thompson/BackpagePix
Mozambique
Zainadine Junior of Mozambique challenge Christian Atsu of Ghana during the 2017 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers ©Christian Thompson/BackpagePix
Mussica of Mozambique challenging Jordan Ayew of Ghana during the 2017 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers ©Christian Thompson/BackpagePix
Namibia winners of the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Deon Hotto of Namibia challenged by Saddan Guambe of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Deon Hotto of Namibia celebrates his goal during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Benson Shilongo of Namibia challenged by Estevao Massango of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Saddan Guambe of Mozambique challenged by Peter Shalulile of Namibia during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Deon Hotto of Namibia celebrates his goal during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Luis Miquissone of Mozambique challenged by Deon Hotto of Namibia during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Deon Hotto of Namibia during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Benson Shilongo of Namibia challenged by Estevao Massango of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Francisco Muchanga of Mozambique battles with Benson Shilongo of Namibia during 2015 Cosafa Cup Final match between Namibia and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 30 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ussama Nancuta Mahumane of Mozambique challenged by Benson Shilongo of Namibia during the 2015 Cosafa Cup final match between Namibia and Mozambique at the Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa on May 30, 2015 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Deon Hotto of Namibia challenged by Norbert Marcelino of Mozambique during 2015 Cosafa Cup Final match between Namibia and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 30 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wangu Gome of Namibia challenged by Norbert Marcelino of Mozambique during 2015 Cosafa Cup Final match between Namibia and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 30 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wangu Gome of Namibia challenged by Momed Hagi of Mozambique during 2015 Cosafa Cup Final match between Namibia and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 30 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wangu Gome of Namibia challenged by Momed Hagi of Mozambique during 2015 Cosafa Cup Final match between Namibia and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 30 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Kabelo Seakanyeng of Botswana challenged by Edmilson Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Isac Decarvalho of Mozambique challenged by Obuile Ncenga of Botswana during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Omaatla Kebatho of Botswana challenged by Francisco Muchanga of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Omaatla Kebatho of Botswana challenged by Francisco Muchanga of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Segolame Boy of Botswana battles with Edmilson Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Saddan Guambe of Mozambique battles with Kabelo Seakanyeng of Botswana during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Omaatla Kebatho of Botswana battles with Momed Hagi of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Kabelo Seakanyeng of Botswana challenged by Edmilson Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
Kabelo Seakanyeng of Botswana challenged by Edmilson Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Semi Finals match between Botswana and Mozambique at Moruleng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 28 May 2015
John Lanjesi of Malawi challenged by Witness Quembo of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Robin Ngalande of Malawi challenged by Gabriel Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Witness Quembo of Mozambique battles with John Lanjesi of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Luis Miquissone of Mozambique challenged by Chimongo Kayira of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Robin Ngalande of Malawi challenged by Gabriel Dove of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Gerald Phiri of Malawi challenged by Saddan Guambe of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Diogo Alberto of Mozambique challenged by John Lanjesi of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Estevo Massango of Mozambique battles with Muhammad Sulumba of Malawi during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Robin Ngalande of Malawi challenged by Luis Miquissone of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
John Lanjesi of Malawi challenged by Witness Quembo of Mozambique during the 2015 Cosafa Cup Quarter Final match between Mozambique and Malawi at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 May 2015 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Players of South Africa during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships South Africa Training Session at Lansdowne, Cape Town on 5 January 2014
Gordon Igesund, Coach of South Africa reacts, issues instructions during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships South Africa Training Session at Lansdowne, Cape Town on 5 January 2014
Hlompho Kekana evades challenge from Lerato Chabangu of South Africa during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships South Africa Training Session at Lansdowne, Cape Town on 5 January 2014
Hlompho Kekana evades challenge from Thabo Nthethe of South Africa during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships South Africa Training Session at Lansdowne, Cape Town on 5 January 2014
Siphiwe Tshabalala,Buhle Mkhwanazi and Katlego Mashego of South Africa during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships South Africa training session at Santos HPC, Cape Town on 6 January 2014
Ryan Chapman and Hlompho Kekana of South Africa during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships South Africa training session at Santos HPC, Cape Town on 6 January 2014
South Africa squad warm up during the 2014 CAF African Nations Championships South Africa training session at Santos HPC, Cape Town on 6 January 2014
Mozambique
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