Elias Pelembe turned 41 on Wednesday while in camp with the Mozambican national team as his incredible football journey continues.
The Mambas sit top of Group I of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with eight points and host Mali on Friday, before they travel to Guinea-Bissau for the last match on Tuesday.
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With a win against Mali, Mozambique will go through as one of two qualifiers in the group, which features whipping boys Eswatini.
While there has been tension in Mozambique this week with demonstrations on the streets sparked by claims the presidential elections over the weekend were rigged, the Mambas have continued with preparations.
Taking the front seat is Pelembe – a man who harassed plenty defender during his time in South Africa, where he played from 2007 until 2023 featuring for SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits, Polokwane City, and Royal AM.
Pelembe now plays for UD Songo back home, but such is the value that they have in him that he is still a starter in his role as captain.
Mambas coach Chiquinho Conde has kept the experienced star as his skipper since taking over three years ago.
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The veteran winger has been in the squad for 20 years and has surpassed the 100 caps mark.
He played all three group stage games at the AFCON finals earlier this year.