Manuel Kambala has expressed confidence that Mozambique can overcome Nigeria in their Round of 16 showdown at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Mambas are set to face the Super Eagles at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, 5 January, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Mozambique secured their spot in the knockout stages despite a mixed Group F performance, registering just one win from three matches.
They suffered defeats to Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon but triumphed over Gabon’s Panthers.
Historically, the South Africans have struggled against the Super Eagles, with only one draw and four losses in five encounters.
Nevertheless, Kambala remains hopeful that Mozambique can cause an upset this time.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported us. We hope they will support us against Nigeria,” Kambala said ahead of the game.
“I believe we will advance, I clearly believe we will advance with the team we have.
“We have already shown that on the field, we have already demonstrated that we are not just here to participate, we know it will not be an easy game. I believe we will not return to Mozambique on January 5th/6th.”
