Johannesburg – Mozambique coach Joao Chissano says his side have everything to play for when they meet Mali in their final Group A match at the African Nations Championship in Cape Town on Sunday.
“We are going to play for the pride of the Mozambique people. We have certain symbols and certain things that we would like to defend and protect for the pride of our country and that it was what we are going to play for, the pride,” Chissano said on Thursday.
The Mambas are already out of the competition, having lost 3-1 to Bafana Bafana and 4-2 to Nigeria in the first two of three group games.
The match against Mali could however play an important role in determining which two teams qualify from the Group. South Africa and Mali are both on four points, while Nigeria have three points and Mozambique are yet to register.
According to Chissano though, his team will be fired up and motivated to put up a good performance before packing their bags for home.
Having witnessed his side play Nigeria and South Africa, he says there is little to choose between the two teams.
“We played both teams and it was a good experience.
“I am extremely proud of the way my players performed. They are getting good experience. A lot of them are very young and inexperienced playing for the national team, so I am very happy overall.
“Both South Africa and Nigeria are very good teams, and are both very well coached. South Africa is obviously the host team Nigeria has the coach of the year, it was a privilege to play against his team.
“If South Africa continues to play they will get better and better as they get more experience playing together, I think they have a chance.” – Sapa