The Mozambicans came close to the feat by beating Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 2-2 at the Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan. Proud of the result but frustrated at having reached the mark at the very end of the match, they intend not to stop there.
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From our special correspondent at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan,
Video refereeing is sometimes cruel, the Mozambicans learned it the hard way this Sunday during their first match in this CAN 2024. While they led 2-1 in the 97the minute of play, the referee designated the penalty point, and the Egyptian Mo Salah was quick to allow the Pharaohs to avoid disaster.
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When you are Mozambique, managing to obtain a draw against an African giant who has won the CAN seven times is necessarily a point of pride, but in the corridors of the Houphouët-Boigny stadium, it was a taste of unfinished business that dominated among the Mambas.
“ The Var broke our hearts »
“ It’s a feeling you can’t explain », Commented Ricardo Guimaraes, elected man of the match by CAF, at a press conference to comment on the evening’s result. “ I am very proud to be there and of our team’s play today, but Var broke our hearts. It’s hard, but it strengthens us for the matches to come », Analyzes the midfielder.
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Same feeling of frustration among his teammate Renildo Mandava who points out the disappointment of having “ lost two points “. But if we see the glass half full, it is also a point gained which could prove crucial in the race to qualify for the round of 16, which would be a first for Mozambique which is not never went further than the group stage in four CAN participations. “ It’s a goal, we know what we’re coming to do here. Everyone knows it’s going to be very difficult, but it’s not impossible “, assures the Atlético Madrid defender.
“ A collective that makes us strong »
The Manbas coach admits, the final result does not “ not what we expected » but Chiquinho Condé also said he was surprised by his players. “ Unfortunately, we conceded a goal very early but we reacted very well. We had a magnificent match and if we do not have world references, we have a collective which is our strength “.
The Mozambicans promise in any case to continue working towards an upcoming crucial match which they will play against Cape Verde, surprising winner of Ghana, on Friday January 18. “ We still have a lot to offer », assured Ricardo Guimaraes. After this first match, the Mambas can certainly start to dream bigger and aim for a historic qualification for the round of 16.