The Mozambican national football team could lose the qualifying match against Mali for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to insecurity in Maputo amid post-election protests, the president of the federation, Feizal Sidat, admitted on Tuesday.
The Mozambican national football team faces the possibility of a devastating setback as security concerns in Maputo, driven by escalating post-election protests, threaten their upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier against Mali.
The situation has sparked fears of a potential forfeit loss for Mozambique, as noted by Feizal Sidat, the president of the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF), during a tense press conference on Tuesday.
The match, part of the fifth round of the AFCON 2025 group stage qualifiers, is set to be held at the Zimpeto National Stadium, a significant venue located on the outskirts of Maputo. It is scheduled for Friday at 6:00 PM local time. However, this crucial encounter coincides with the third consecutive day of a new wave of protests orchestrated by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane. Since October, these demonstrations have frequently devolved into violent confrontations, with increasing reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.
Sidat expressed his grave concerns about the unfolding situation, emphasizing the potential repercussions for the national team, affectionately known as the Mambas. 'I am absolutely certain that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will rule the match as a forfeit loss if there is no assurance of adequate security,' Sidat warned. 'Both the teams and the match officials need to begin their training sessions as scheduled on Wednesday, which unfortunately aligns with the first day of these renewed protests.'
Mozambique’s current standing in the qualifiers hangs in the balance. Leading Group I with eight points, tied with Mali, and four points ahead of third-placed Guinea-Bissau, the Mambas only require a single victory from the remaining two matches to secure their spot in the AFCON finals. A default loss would not only jeopardize their chances of qualification but could also derail their momentum and confidence, potentially undoing the hard work that has led them to this point.
In an impassioned appeal, Sidat called for unity and a temporary cessation of hostilities during the critical match week. 'We are making an urgent appeal to everyone involved in these protests,’ Sidat said. ‘We understand the political frustrations, but we ask for a momentary pause. Let us come together for the sake of our national team. This is a rare opportunity for Mozambique to shine on the continental stage.'
The FMF president also revealed that CAF had sent an official communication to the Mozambican authorities last Thursday, urgently requesting security guarantees for the event. In response, the FMF coordinated with the Secretary of State for Sports and the Ministry of the Interior to provide assurances. However, given that the match falls within a designated FIFA international window, rescheduling or relocating the game outside of Mozambique is not a viable option.
'We must guarantee the safety of everyone involved in this match the players, coaches, officials, and fans,’ Sidat stressed. ‘With only three days left, it is crucial that we host this match in a peaceful and secure atmosphere. The whole world will be watching, and this is our chance to show that Mozambique can rise above these challenges.'
Despite his hopeful tone, Sidat acknowledged the gravity of the situation, issuing a stern warning about the potential consequences. 'If we cannot ensure a safe environment, Mozambique could face severe sanctions from CAF, including a default loss and a hefty financial penalty. This is not just about one game; it is about the reputation of our country on the international stage.'
The stakes are high, as the AFCON 2025 tournament is set to be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. For Mozambique, qualifying for the finals would mark a significant achievement and a second consecutive appearance, symbolizing progress and growth in their football program.
However, the political unrest presents a significant obstacle. Venâncio Mondlane, a prominent presidential candidate, has refused to accept the results of the general elections held on October 9. On Monday, he called for a new wave of nationwide protests, set to begin on Wednesday and continue for three days across all provincial capitals. Mondlane’s demands include a review of the election process, citing widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities.
'We will demonstrate at borders, ports, and in every provincial capital. We need to send a strong message that the people’s voice cannot be ignored,’ Mondlane declared, urging Mozambicans to paralyze economic activities across the country as a form of protest.
Mondlane described the current wave of demonstrations as the ‘fourth stage’ of his campaign against the election results, suggesting that more phases of protests could follow. He emphasized that the movement also addresses broader issues such as rising incidents of kidnappings and violent crimes, which he claims reflect the government's inability to protect its citizens.
'We will protest for three days, and then we will pause,’ Mondlane announced from what he called 'exile,' encouraging citizens from all districts to gather in their respective provincial capitals, including Maputo, until the end of the week.
Reflecting on the impact of the previous protests on November 7, which marked the third stage of the demonstrations, Mondlane denied any intention of overthrowing the government. However, the day of action led to widespread disruption in Maputo, bringing the capital to a standstill and sparking clashes with police.
'If we had wanted to stage a coup, we would have done it,’ Mondlane remarked defiantly. ‘We are not backing down. Too many lives have been lost already, and we will continue to fight for justice and accountability.'
According to the Mozambican non-governmental organization Plataforma Eleitoral Decide, the protests on November 7 resulted in at least five fatalities, 38 people being shot, and 164 arrests. The escalating violence has raised serious concerns about the potential for further unrest during the upcoming match against Mali, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for Mozambican football.
As the clock ticks down to Friday's kickoff, the future of the Mambas' AFCON campaign hangs by a thread, with the hopes of a nation entwined with the uncertain political landscape unfolding in the streets of Maputo.
