The Mozambique Football Federation (FMF) has opted for the Johannesburg 2010 World Cup venue because its Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo is under construction.
The Mambas’ first home match is against Rwanda on June 3. FMF has announced the shift from the earlier schedule of June 2.
“This amendment results from the consensus reached between the respective Federations, after consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF),” the FMF website reports.
“Thus, the Mambas will host Amavubi at the FNB Stadium (94,736 spectators) at 6:00 pm on June 2, in a match for the first qualifying round of the African Cup of Nations Ivory Coast 2023.”
CAF has since assigned Ethiopian referees Bamlak Weyesa (centre referee), Temesgin Atango (First Assistant), Fasika Fasika (Second Assistant) and Tewodros Mitiku (Fourth Referee) to handle the game.
Mozambique’s second game would be away in Benin on June 8, whereas dates for meetings against Senegal and Benin are yet to be established.
South Africa also offered home venues for Malawi and Namibia in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers evidently benefitting from the 2010 World Cup hosting legacy.
CAF has been strict with the standard of match venues across Africa, and most of them have not been certified.
