Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove and Royal AM forward Elias Pelembe will not be part of the Mozambique squad to face Bafana Bafana in a friendly match on Thursday at Mbombela Stadium.
Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde did not include the inspirational duo in his squad for the friendly as he restricted his team selection to locally based players.
EDMILSON DOVE OUT
The former Mozambique striker is aiming to measure his men’s pedigree ahead of their CHAN dance in January.
The Mambas booked their place in the 2023 CHAN finals in Algeria on an away goal rule following a 1-1 draw against Malawi.
At the CHAN, their opening assignment will be against Ethiopia on 13 January before they take on Libya four days later.
Their last Group A encounter will be against Algeria on the 21st of January. Conde has opted to use local-based players as he prepares for CHAN.
Dove has been in fine form for Chiefs, where Arthur Zwane has used him as a left centre-back alongside Zitha Kwinika.
Dove is currently on a break with Chiefs set to resume training in exactly a fortnight. The DStv Premiership is currently on recess for the FIFA World Cup.
On the other hand, 38-year-old Pelembe is Mozambique’s most experienced player and continues to make valuable contributions to his club Royal AM.
BAFANA MAKE FORCED CHANGES
Meanwhile, Bafana coach Hugo Broos has had to make forced changes ahead of the tie. Lyle Foster, Thibang Phete and Mihlali Mayambela had to pull out due to injuries.
Cape Town City’s Taariq Fielies and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who turns out for Minnesota United in the MLS, have had to step in.
Late call-up Bathusi Aubaas of TS Galaxy also joined camp on Monday. Broos is still expecting Siyanda Xulu and Luke Le Roux in camp on Tuesday.
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