Mozambique coach Monteiro: ‘Young Os Mambas will compete’
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Mozambique coach Dario Monteiro says his charges will be ready to compete against Egypt in the opening match of TotalEnergies U-20 Cup of Nations at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.
Young Os Manbas return to the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations seeking to improve on their performance after their debut two years ago in Mauritania.
The Cosafa runners-up have been drawn in Group A alongside Nigeria and Senegal and Monteiro says his players will give the home side a tough match.
“We have a group of local players and well-trained players to compete with Egypt,” Dario Monteiro said at his pre match press conference.
They might not have the pedigree of their group opponents, but the Young Os Mambas will be motivated to improve on their performance in their first showing.
Mozambique suffered a group stage exit in their debut participation in Mauritania, but the Cosafa runners-up will come better prepared for the tournament.
“Egypt is a football nation, and we respect them very much, and we also respect the team because they have good players. Our focus is on tomorrow’s match, and we will not talk about anything because we are focused on the first match which is against Egypt,” Monteiro added.
Mozambique finished behind Zambia in the Cosafa zone qualifying tournament and midfielder Keyns Abdala says the new generation of players are focused on this tournament.
“We have a new generation of players, and the team is concentrating on this tournament,” Abdala told reporters.
“We have good players who are ready to compete in the tournament.
“We’re here to represent our country and do our best with the support of our fans.”
