The match kicks off at 3pm. The inspirational Ndlovu seems to be the man making the difference in the team in the build up to the make or break tie, which comes against a heart-breaking 1-0 defeat in the hands of Guinea in the opening match at the National Sports Stadium last Sunday. But according to Ndlovu and skipper Tapuwa Kapini, that is now history.
“It’s a game we have to win at all costs, but we can only do that if we are not under pressure. The fact that we are playing away presents us with a chance of redeeming ourselves. The players told me that they want to prove a point to the supporters who showed resentment last week.
“Yes, it is hard to pick yourself up after such a defeat at home, but the attitude in camp is that of determination. The players are saying the supporters treated them badly in Harare and they want to prove that they are good,” said the former Coventry City striker.
Ndlovu, the Under-23 mentor, said their game plan was to attack the hosts, who will obviously be in the same mode. “We know that these guys (Mozambique) are going to attack us because they are at home. We are going to do the same because the best way to defend is to attack. We want to win this match at all costs. We will be offensive from the word go.”Speaking at the team hotel, situated near the Indian Ocean coast, captain Kapini paid tribute to Ndlovu.
“Peter has been psyching us by showing us videos of his games when he was playing in Europe. He said he wants us to achieve better than him. He has been the difference in the team and we are ready mentally after that defeat in Harare. We have put all that in the past.
“We are determined to win this game for our fans back home. We want to win their hearts. If we win they will have confidence in us. There was tension when we lost to Guinea, but all that is gone. Peter has added another dimension to the team. He is a motivator,” said the AmaZulu goal minder.
Mozambique, popularly known as Mambas, will be relying on Mamelodi Sundowns striker, Elias Pelembe who missed the home side’s 2-0 loss to Egypt in their opening game in Cairo last week.
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Statistically Mozambique go into this match as underdogs. The Warriors hold the record of scoring the highest number of goals against their opponents, a feat achieved on April 20 1980 when the Mambas were clobbered 6-0.
They are also ranked on position 106 in the world, having slid two places down and are ranked 26 in Africa. Mozambique are ranked 117 in the world having moved seven places down the ladder and 33 in Africa.
The Mambas have been to the Nations Cup four times, making their maiden appearance in 1986 in Egypt, 1996 South Africa, 1998 Burkina Faso and lastly 2010 in Angola.
Probable line-upT Kapini, E Nyandoro, C Nyadombo, O Bhasera, O Machapa, T Nengomasha, W Katsande, V Nyoni, O Karuru, K Musona, T Chinyama
