Mozambique and Somalia return to action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they go head to head at the Estadio do Zimpeto on Friday.
Both sides head into the weekend without a win in their last eight matches and are currently separated by just three points at the bottom of Group G.
Match preview
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Mozambique endured another forgettable campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations as they were condemned to a group-stage exit after picking up just two points from their three matches back in January.
After holding out for an impressive 2-2 draw with Egypt in their Group B opener, Chiquinho Conde's men suffered a 3-0 loss against Cape Verde before playing out a 2-2 draw with Ghana in their final group outing.
Mozambique now turn their attention to the World Cup qualifiers, where they kicked off the campaign with a 3-2 victory over Botswana at the Obert Itani Chilume Stadium on November 16.
However, Os Mambas were sent crashing back down to earth three days later as they were beaten 2-0 by North African powerhouse Algeria, with Fares Chaibi and Ramiz Zerrouki being on the scoresheet.
Mozambique head into Thursday's game without a win in any of their last five matches across all competitions, losing twice and claiming three draws since their victory over Botswana last November.
Somalia, on the other hand, were dumped out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the preliminary round as they were beaten 5-2 on aggregate by Eswatini back in March.
Rachid Lousteque's men did well to secure a 2-2 second-leg draw on March 26, but a disappointing 3-0 defeat in the reverse leg one week earlier saw the Sihlangu Semnikati secure their spot in the main AFCON qualifying round.
Somalia will look to pick up where they left off in the stalemate against Eswatini as they return to action in the World Cup qualifiers, where they have lost their opening two matches in Group G.
Having lost 3-1 to Algeria in the group curtain-raiser on November 16, the Ocean Stars were left empty handed in their second qualifying match as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Uganda five days later.
Like Mozambique, Somalia have failed to taste victory in any of their last eight outings across all competitions, losing six and claiming two draws since their 1-0 win over Burundi in the COSAFA Cup in December 2019.
Team News
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Mozambique have called up 25 players for their upcoming qualifying games, with Bruno Langa, Atletico Madrid's Reinildo Mandava and Sporting Lisbon forward Geny Catamo headlining the squad.
Chaves midfielder Ricardo Guimaraes had also been named in the team and the 28-year-old should start in the centre of the park, alongside Oostende man Alfons Amade.
At the attacking end of the pitch, we expect to see a front three of Dayo Domingos, Kaizer Chief striker Stanley Ratifo and 23-year-old Catamo, who has four goals in 18 senior caps.
Somalia defender Abdirizak Mohamed will sit out Friday's game due to suspension after picking up a red card in the 1-0 loss to Uganda back in November 2023.
Sakariya Hassan led the attack in the game against the Cranes and should retain his role in the XI, forming the front two with Ahmed Yusuf.
Mozambique possible starting lineup:
Ivane; Matola, Dove, Reinildo, Langa; Amade, Santos, Guimaraes; Catamo, Domingos, Ratifo
Somalia possible starting lineup:
Samad; Salim, Alahi, Ali, F Mohamed; Ahmed; Usman, Lilion, I Mohamed; Hassan, Yusuf
We say: Mozambique 2-0 Somalia
Mozambique have named a solid squad heading to the two qualifying games and will be backing themselves against Somalia who have lost seven of their last eight games. We predict a one-sided affair at the Estadio do Zimpeto, with the hosts claiming a comfortable victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
