AFCON: Mozambique’s record, edition by edition

CAN: the history of Mozambique in the African Cup of Nations

CAN: the results of Mozambique, edition by edition

Mozambique have carved out a place in AFCON history as perennial underdogs, a team that often makes sporadic appearances but is always driven by remarkable perseverance. Making their debut in the final in 1986, the Mambas long struggled to get past the group stage, alternating between occasional qualifiers and long periods away from the continental spotlight.

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The tournaments of 1996, 1998, then 2010 highlighted how difficult it was for Mozambique to establish themselves at the level of the African elite, despite a generation which regularly managed to qualify. The real turning point occurred in 2023: after more than a decade without action during the CAN, Mozambique returned to the tournament, regaining crucial continental visibility to help shape its sporting project.

Now qualified for CAN 2025, the Mambas have a golden opportunity to make this return to a new era, with the clear objective of finally taking the next step.

Here is a summary of Mozambique’s appearances at the CAN: