Mozambique name squad to take on Bafana

Mozambique have dropped their captain Dominguez for the friendly against South Africa on 10 June, denying the 40-year-old veteran his final swansong in South Africa.

Dominguez, otherwise known as Elias Pelembe, played in the Premier Soccer League for SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits and Royal AM for 15 seasons from 2007 to 2023, being named Player of the Season in 2008 and winning four league titles.

Striker Geny Catamo is another notable absence for the international in Pretoria after having helped Sporting Lisbon to the league and cup double in Portugal, while key defender Reinildo Mandava will also be absent, as he will be part of the Atlético Madrid squad that participates in the Club World Cup in the US from 15 June to 13 July.

Catamo’s absence is likely to give him rest after a long season.

Dominguez missed Mozambique’s last two matches in World Cup qualification in March after failing to hand over his passport in time for him to obtain visas for Egypt and Algeria, where the Mambas played. His tardiness was heavily criticised by Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde.

Returning to the squad is Polokwane City midfielder Kambala, veteran defender Mexer, who is based in Turkey, and Luís Miquissone, who was on the books at Mamelodi Sundowns but never played for the South African champions.

Also returning is German-born striker Jonathan Muiomo despite the fact that he has not had a club since leaving FC Wiltz 71 of Luxembourg in February.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ernan (Associação Black Bulls), Ivane Urrubal (União Desportiva Songo)

Defenders: Chamboco (Associação Black Bulls), Chico (Costa do Sol), Edmilson (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Bruno Langa (Almería, Spain), Domingos Macandza (Associação Black Bulls), Mexer (Bandırmaspor, Turkey), Nanani (União Desportiva Songo), Nene (Associação Black Bulls)

Midfielders: Amadou (Tanzania Prisons, Tanzania), Kambala (Polokwane City, South Africa), Dário Melo (Feroviário Beira), Luís Miquissone (União Desportiva Songo), Shaquille (Sagrada Esperança, Angola)

Forwards: Clésio Bauque (Associação Black Bulls), Dayo (Feroviário Beira), Gildo (Jerash, Saudi Arabia), Elias Macamo (Ferroviário Maputo), Melque (Associação Black Bulls), Jonathan Muiomo (unattached), Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig, Germany).