Manuel Kambala, the optimistic Mozambican midfielder, has expressed his firm belief that the Mambas can cause a significant upset against the Super Eagles in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 fixture. The crucial encounter is scheduled for Monday, 5th January, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with a coveted quarter-final spot at stake.
Mozambique, who narrowly secured their place in the knockout stages, managed a solitary victory in Group F. Their path to the last sixteen saw them succumb to defeats against footballing giants Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, with their only triumph coming against the Panthers of Gabon. Historically, the Southern Africans have struggled against the Super Eagles, recording four defeats and a single draw in their five previous meetings.
However, Kambala remains undeterred by past statistics and is convinced that his side possesses the mettle to overcome their formidable Nigerian opponents. Addressing the press ahead of the highly anticipated clash, he stated:
> “I want to thank everyone who has supported us. We hope they will support us against Nigeria. I believe we will advance, I clearly believe we will advance with the team we have. We have already shown that on the field, we have already demonstrated that we are not just here to participate, we know it will not be an easy game. I believe we will not return to Mozambique on January 5th/6th.”
Kambala’s resolute words highlight the team’s determination to defy expectations and make a deep run in the tournament, suggesting they are not merely content with their participation but are genuinely aiming for progression. The match promises to be a captivating contest as Mozambique seeks to rewrite their history against the Super Eagles.
