Mozambique have received some positive permutations for a possible shock result against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Monday’s round of 16 clash at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Sports247 reports.
The shade of hope for Mozambique comes from an observation of the fact that they have nothing to loss from the upcoming encounter in Fes, considering that they are the obvious outsiders.
Additional permutations indicate that the Super Eagles will be under pressure to justify their status in the match, while The Mambas will play gallantly, freely and most likely slow down the pace.
A preview by George Flood in The Standard of UK noted that Nigeria are obviously favourites on all fronts, but hinted at the possibility of Mozambique pulling off a shock result, because they will enter the game without any pressure.
Flood also noted that Mozambique have their own fair share of talents, who could play spoiler to the Super Eagles’ hopes of progressing to the next round, especially if they can take the game into penalties.
The preview added: “Mozambique’s star man is Sporting winger Geny Catamo, who scored a brilliant goal to give them an initial lead over Cameroon.
“The Mambas made sweeping changes for that final game in Group F, with Sunderland’s Reinildo among the players who will expect to come back in.
“The Mambas, led by Chiquinho Conde, achieved their maiden win at the finals after dispatching Gabon 3-2 in a difficult Group F.
“(Before that, they had) only narrowly been edged out 1-0 by Ivory Coast and later took the lead against Cameroon, before losing 2-1 courtesy of a wonder goal.
“Mozambique winning an AFCON game for the first time and reaching the last 16 is a huge achievement and they can be very proud of their efforts at this tournament, regardless of what happens next.”
