Tico-Tico Bucuane urges Mozambique to prove they belong at AFCON stage

The Mambas last featured at this level in 2010 as football in the country declined until this recent qualification.

Speaking to SABC Sport in Abidjan where he is part of a group of CAF legends, Bucuane says there’s no better platform for redemption.

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"If a team wants to achieve whatever in this tournament, you have to top your level. So, it's a challenge for a team like Mozambique, it's been like so many years since the last time we played at this level. So, there's a lot of expectations of course," Bucuane said.

Mozambique very nearly caused an upset on Sunday when they led against Egypt until Mohamed Salah secured a 2-2 draw for The Pharaohs via a late penalty following the VAR review.

Bucuane wants to see the team come out of a group that includes Ghana and Cape Verde or win a game at the very least.

"The country is hopeful that this time around maybe we can do something like winning a game or even qualifying to the next round. It's not gonna be easy because as I said the level is a bit high so we have to up our level as well to compete especially in the group where we are with two big countries, Egypt and Ghana. We know Egypt at this level, they always perform. So, ya, it's a bit of a challenge for Mozambique," Bucuane added.

Mozambique can go about their business quietly, Bucuane argued.  

"I believe that you can surprise them as well because the pressure is on the other side, no one is expecting Mozambique to gain anything, so that could work in our favour. Let's just wait and see what's gonna happen. I guess it's up to the management or coach to pass this message to the team because I mean as players, a game is a game, you always feel that pressure before everything starts."