Mozambique’s hopes on the line against Guinea

Mozambique will look to keep its World Cup dreams alive as the Mambas face Guinea at the Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique, on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Mozambique sit third in Group G of the African qualifiers, tied with Uganda on 15 points but behind on goal difference by eight goals.

Mozambique has recorded five wins and three losses from its eight games, scoring 12 goals and conceding 15 in the process.

The Mambas fell to Uganda 4-0 before a redemptive 2-0 win over Botswana in September’s World Cup qualifiers.

Despite being four points behind group leaders Algeria, the Mambas could still secure qualification. Though it is a long shot, they will hope for Algeria and Uganda to lose their remaining two fixtures while bagging two wins of their own. The Mambas could still snatch a spot in the second round of qualification as one of the four best runners-up in group play, continuing their fight to appear on the world’s stage.

Guinea have managed three wins, two draws and three losses in their eight qualifying games and sit fourth in Group G with 11 points. The country is eight points behind the group leaders, meaning that maximum points from their last two fixtures will not be enough to catch top spot, regardless of what happens to Algeria.

In September’s round of qualifiers, the National Elephants secured a 3-0 win over Somalia before holding group leaders Algeria to a 0-0 draw.

Despite being out of the race for a spot at the World Cup, the National Elephants will certainly put up a fight and hope to finish the campaign on a high.

The two sides last met in June 2024, when Mozambique grabbed the winner from the penalty spot in the dying stages of the game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mozambique - Stanley Ratifo: 30-year-old Stanley Ratifo has played all of Mozambique's 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers. The centre forward has scored three goals and provided two assists in the Mambas’ campaign and will be looking to make an impact against Guinea.

Guinea - Aguibou Camara: Aguibou Camara has netted two of Guinea’s five goals this qualifying campaign. The 24-year-old recently featured in the Uefa Champions League for PFC Ludogorets Razgrad and will be a key feature of his nation’s attack on Thursday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Games: 3

Mozambique wins: 1

Guinea wins: 1

Draws: 1