Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Mozambique is seeking its first win in the finals and qualification from the group

Mozambique believes it can overcome the tough draw and reach the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, according to former international Manuel Bukoane.

The Mambas have never advanced beyond the group stage in five previous attempts and are still awaiting their first finals win, having drawn five times and lost 10 of their previous 15 matches.

Chiquinho Kounde’s team faces a difficult task in Group F against defending champion Ivory Coast, Cameroon, five-time world champions, and Gabon, led by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Bokoane remains optimistic.

“Mozambique doesn’t always play at this level, so whenever the team qualifies, it’s a big achievement for the country,” the retired striker told BBC Sport Africa.

“The team is growing, and there are a lot of promising youngsters. We have players who are showing that they can compete at the highest level.”

“Hopefully for the first time we can win a match or even advance to the next stage.

“It won’t be easy. We are in a very difficult group with very strong teams, but we believe in these boys.”