Ageless Pelembe spearheads Mambas AFCON opener

The Black Mambas open their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign against the Ivorians at the Marrakech stadium with a good result a must in a group that also has Cameroon and Gabon.

Pelembe says he’s got legs that can still carry this team...

"We will try to give our best in this AFCON, but we will look to enjoy it as well. My legs are still going strong, and I'm going to put all my energy towards the team."

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With the Mambas made up of a team laced with youth and experience, Pelembe who played his first AFCON tournament in 2010, speaks on the importance of the younger players enjoying the tournament responsibly.

Mozambique have not had it easy in their opening games at the AFCON in recent years. At the last edition in Ivory Coast, they had to come up against Egypt, and they managed a hard fought 2-all draw.

Now they face the defending champions Ivory Coast and Pelembe says they will be equal to the task at hand.

"We are in another really strong group against big teams with big name players but we are ready."

With the next AFCON scheduled for East Africa in two year’s time, Pelembe says a mindset shift and being regulars in this space is very much needed to always be ready for any opponent no matter their status...