Pelembe: Mozambique Football Federation.
Mozambique’s Mambas captain Elias Pelembe has been ruled out of this week’s back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Algeria over visa issues.
The Mozambique Football Federation (FMF) confirmed that the UD Songo winger will not be available for the Group G meeting with the Cranes on March 20 and Algeria five days later.
“The national coach Chiquinho Conde explained the absences of captain Domingues due to bureaucratic issues, and of Mexer Sitóe, who is recovering from injury. In conclusion, the technician called Melque Alexandre who will reinforce the squad,” FMF’s statement reads.
Media reports in Mozambique suggest that the 41-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns star submitted his passport late on Saturday for a visa processing to Egypt hence his absence.
Mozambique’s entourage has, after a long stopover in Doha, arrived in Cairo with the exception of foreign-based players. Conde has traveled with a 25-member squad, including veteran Edmilson Dove who is back from a lengthy injury lay-off at his South African side, Kaizer Chiefs FC.
The coach recalled youthful goalkeeper Kimiss Zavala, Chico Muchanga, and new arrival Kélvio Neves.
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