The national soccer team, Mambas, will face Cape Verde today, 19.01, at 16:00 in Maputo, in the second round of group B of the final phase of CAN 2023. 

It's a game that could see Mozambique progress to the next round for the first time in its history, in the event of a win, taking into account yesterday's result (a 2-2 draw) between the teams in Mozambique's group (Ghana and Egypt).

It is known that Mozambique opened with a draw in its opening game against Egypt, and currently has one point.

This means that if they win today's game with Cape Verde, they will top the group with four points, one less than Cape Verde.

Egypt, after another draw against Ghana yesterday, have two points, while Ghana are bottom with just one point after two games.

Chiquinho Conde, Mozambique's national coach, said that today's game is seen as a final, given the objectives set, which are to qualify for the last 16.

The national coach knows, however, that he won't find it easy against Cape Verde, who are also in high spirits after their victory against Ghana in the first round.

"It's a game we don't expect to be easy, as Cape Verde are motivated by the result they've achieved, but we're also aiming for a draw, although we'd like to win the game to be more comfortable," said Chiquinho Conde ahead of the game against Cape Verde.

In terms of player availability, Clésio Baúque could be the big absentee after picking up a thigh injury in the game against Egypt, while the big news is the return of winger Geny Catamo, who could bring another dynamic to the team.