Mozambican international Geny Catamo, who plays for Sporting de Portugal, won't be able to join the national soccer team, the Mambas, until January 2, 2024, at the team's preparatory training camp in South Africa with a view to the African Nations Championship in Ivory Coast, between January 13 and February 11.

In fact, Chiquinho Conde's management wanted him in the squad sooner, but Sporting requested that the left-back be released on 31 December, after he had played his scheduled match against Portimonense on 30 December.

If his expected arrival is fulfilled, Catamo could make the squad for the friendly match with Lesotho on January 6, reports Notícias.

In addition to the Sportinguist, other Mozambicans who play in Portugal are expected to join the Mambas at the beginning of the year, namely Ricardo Guimarães Guima and Buno Langa, from Desportivo de Chaves, and Witi, from Nacional da Madeira. They are expected to pass through Maputo. Those heading straight for the land of the rand are Ratifo and Malembana, from Germany and Armenia respectively.

In the first phase of the CAN, Mozambique will face Egypt, Cape Verde and Ghana.