Mozambique Defiant In Defeat

Head coach of Mozambique, Abel Xavier has praised his teams attitude and devotion in their 3-1 loss to the Black Stars of Ghana.

OS Mambas needed at least a draw to keep any hope of qualifying for next year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament alive, but, ended out in defeat and will most certainly miss out on the event to be held in Gabon.

The Black Stars with a hundred per cent record started in the qualifiers, the game well very though the performance was below expectation, but, yet recorded a valuable win to keep form hold of top spot in Group H.

But Xavier believes the performance of his boys deserves proper recognition and hope to improve on that in subsequent matches.

Speaking to the media during his post match interview, the ex-Middlesbrough defender said, “Our play in the second half was a very improved performance and that made me proud of my players, their attitude and reaction to score a goal after conceding three goalswas fantastic,” he said.

“My players have dignified me, themselves and most importantly our country (Mozambique),” he added.

The return leg of this fixture is on Sunday 27 March in Maputo.

Mozambique Defiant In Defeat

We Must Take Our Chances Against Ghana - Mozambique

Head coach of OS Mambas of Mozambique, Abel Xavier has admitted his side will have to be clinical in front of goal, to have any chance of influencing the game against the Ghana Black Stars.

Ghana will host Mozambique on Thursday at the Accra Sports Stadium in an African Cup of Nations (AFCON), qualifier in Gabon 2017.

The OS Mambas of Mozambique train ahead of AFCON qualifier against Ghana

The Black Stars boast of a 100% record with two wins from two games and this Xavier believes indicates that his side cannot afford any lacklustre performance against their opponent.

Speaking to the media after his side trained at the match venue according to Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, the former Liverpool midfielder said, “we are talking about being productive, effective as we create more chances in front of goal against the Black Stars.”

“We can have control of the game and even 70% of ball possession but that won’t guarantee us victory. The way to win the game is how we break the defense and be in good positions to take our chances (score).

We Must Take Our Chances Against Ghana - Mozambique