Mozambique have sprung one of the most remarkable selection decisions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after naming 42-year-old winger Dominguez in their final squad for the tournament in Morocco.

Dominguez, who celebrated his 42nd birthday last month, is now set to become the oldest outfield player in AFCON history and the second-oldest participant overall.

Only legendary Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary was older when he appeared in the 2017 final at 44 years and 21 days.

The veteran midfielder’s international journey looked over earlier this year when coach Chiquinho Conde dropped him for missing a crucial visa deadline that forced him out of a World Cup qualifier in Egypt. But Dominguez forced his way back into contention, earning a recall for November friendlies and sealing his place after impressing in camp.

Mozambique are heading to their second consecutive AFCON after returning to the finals in 2023, ending a 13-year wait that stretched back to Angola 2010—where Dominguez was also part of the squad. Astonishingly, fellow survivor Mexer, aged 37, is also back in the squad, underlining a golden generation still resisting time.

Placed in Group F, the Mambas open their campaign against defending champions Ivory Coast in Marrakech on December 24, before meeting Gabon and Cameroon in a challenging pool.

Should Dominguez feature, AFCON history will witness a rare milestone—proof that age continues to bow to football passion in Africa’s biggest football stage.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ernan (Associacao Black Bulls), Ivane Urrubal (Ferroviario Nacala), Kimiss Zavala (Marítimo)

Defenders: Bruno Langa (Pafos), Chambuco (Associacao Black Bulls), Diogo Calila (Santa Clara), Edmilson (Al Quwa Al Jawiya), Mexer (Keciorengucu), Nanani (UD Songo), Nene (Abu Salim), Oscar (UD Songo), Reinildo (Sunderland)

Midfielders: Alfonso Amade (Dunfermline Athletic), Dominguez (UD Songo), Guima (Zira FK), Kambala (Polokwane City), Keyns Abdala (Chaves), Maza (Ferroviario Beira)

Forwards: Chamito (Associacao Black Bulls), Faizal Bangal (AC Mestre), Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon), Gildo Vilanculos (Tadamon Sour), Melque (UD Songo), Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig), Witi (Nacional)

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One of the Super Eagles’ Group C opponents, Uganda have become the first team to arrive in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, touching down in Casablanca on Monday, to continue their final phase of preparations.
The Cranes’ early arrival underlines their determination to make an impression in a group that includes three-time champions Nigeria, North African heavyweights Tunisia, and regional neighbours Tanzania.
Uganda will spend 11 days in Morocco for a closed-camp training programme which includes two tune-up games, according to the Uganda FA, although details of the friendly fixtures are yet to be confirmed.
The East Africans are coached by Belgian tactician Paul Put, whose experience across the continent—having previously handled Burkina Faso, Gambia and Guinea—is seen as a key advantage as they attempt to unsettle more established opponents like the Super Eagles.
Group C matches will be played in Rabat and Fez, with Nigeria and Uganda scheduled to face each other in what could prove decisive in the race for knockout qualification.
Uganda, ranked 85th in the world and 18th in Africa, will be making their eighth AFCON appearance. Their best record remains runners-up finish in 1978, while they reached the quarter-finals in Egypt in 2019. They have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the senior tournament, the Cranes have enjoyed recent continental milestones, including a first-ever quarter-final appearance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), and boast 15 CECAFA titles—an all-time regional record.
Nigeria are bidding for a strong start in Morocco following their dramatic run to the AFCON final in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year. With Uganda already settled into Moroccan territory, the early psychological message is clear: Group C will demand full focus from the Super Eagles from day one.

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By Kunle Solaja.

The high-profile international friendly between Egypt and Nigeria has been shifted to 16 December, following FIFA’s directive delaying the release of Africa Cup of Nations-bound players.

Originally scheduled for 14 December, the fixture was pushed back two days after FIFA confirmed that clubs are only required to release players from 15 December.

The adjustment is meant to ensure the availability of key stars such as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush for the encounter.

The match will bring together two sides carrying contrasting legacies in the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt hold a record seven continental titles but have not lifted the trophy since 2010. The Pharaohs will compete at Morocco 2025 from Group B, where they face South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria, on the other hand, have built a reputation as Africa’s most consistent podium-finishers. The Super Eagles have claimed third place a record eight times—1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019—and have finished runners-up on five occasions, in 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000 and 2023.

The December clash is expected to offer an important test for both sides as they sharpen preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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