Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has spoken positively about his side’s readiness for the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament to be staged in Algeria.
Conde has admitted that it is his duty as a tactician to ensure that the Mambas do well at the CHAN competition in North Africa.
The coach has taken big steps forward to build a strong team for the future as he only called up local-based players competing in the Mozambican top flight known as Moçambola.
CONDE ON SELECTING ONLY LOCAL-BASED PLAYERS
“I spoke about this with my president [Feizal Sidat]. I told him that it is very important; we need an international tournament to get good experience,” he told FARPost.
“For example, I go to play in Algeria, and it is a different level, and that’s why I say it is of paramount importance to get good performance there, as it is my responsibility to play well.
“And the championship here in Mozambique ends on the 4th of December.
“I will get one week to rest and come back to concentrate on the CHAN tournament.
“I’m happy with the level of readiness and the players’ mindset is high.”
The former Mozambican striker says that he wants consistency in terms of their strength in games.
Conde also stated that he is pleased with the progress as things are heading in the right direction before the tournament.
The CHAN competition is set to kick off on Friday, 13 January, and will end on Saturday, 4 February 2023.
The tournament’s draw ceremony was held in Algeria last month.
Mozambique was drawn in Group A alongside the host nation, Algeria, Libya and Ethiopia.
Conde’s Mambas will play their first game of the tournament against Ethiopia.
Ans the coach explained the importance of winning their opening game.
“The first game of the tournament is very important. And I have been monitoring our opponents [Ethiopia],” he stated.
“I have watched many of their games to understand their style of play and what to do in the field against them.”
2023 CHAN GROUP STAGE
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