adminJOHANNESBURG. — Mozambique are to play a second friendly match as part of their preparations for the African Nations Championship finals tournament when they take on Libya here today. Mozambique were due to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Johannesburg on Saturday, but their opponents pulled out and the Mambas had to scramble to organise a replacement.
Coach Joao Chissano got his former club Jomo Cosmos to provide opposition in a 1-1 draw.
A match against Ghana has also been mooted before the Mambas leave Johannesburg for Cape Town, where they play the opening game of the competition against South Africa on Saturday.
Mozambique had cancelled a planned camp in Cape Town before New Year, but will make up for lost time with the friendly fixtures.
Their 23-man squad includes former Platinum Stars left-back Almiro Libo, as well as experienced defender Dário Khan, and two players known as Chico — conveniently listed as Chico I (from Ferroviario de Maputo) and Chico II (Liga Muculmana).
Mozambican champions Liga Muculmana and rivals Costa do Sol have five players each in the squad.
Mozambique also tackle Nigeria (January 15) and Mali (January 19) in Group A.
The CHAN tournament is only open to players who ply their trade in their domestic league.
Mozambique squad
Goalkeepers: Pinto (Ferroviario de Maputo), Victor (Desportivo de Nacala), Soarito (HCB Songo)
Defenders: João Mazive, Dário Khan, Dito (Costa do Sol), Chico II, Miro (Liga Muculmana), Chico I (Ferroviario de Maputo), Gabito (Maxaquene)
Midfielders: Josemar, Imo (Liga Muculmana), Alvarito (Costa do Sol), Diogo (Ferroviario de Maputo), Kito (Maxaquene), Nelito (Ferroviario da Beira), Lanito (Desportivo de Maputo)
Forwards: Sonito (Liga Muculmana), Manuelito II (Costa do Sol), Isac (Maxaquene), Maninho, Mario (Ferroviario da Beira), Belito (Ferroviario de Nampula) — SuperSport.
Online Reporter