It now appears that former Mamelodi Sundowns star Elias Pelembe’s career at top-level football is not yet over, despite his grand age of 41.
The Mozambique national team has officially announced a 54-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.
Mozambique will take on Uganda away and Botswana at home on 5 and 8 September, respectively.
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One of the most notable selection choices made by Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde is the inclusion of the 41-year-old Pelembe.
According to Transfermarkt, Pelembe has made over 100 appearances for his country since his debut.
The UD Songo star, who now goes by the name Domingues, could have a chance to extend his record as Mozambique’s most capped player of all time.
Here’s the full 54-man provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Ernan Alberto Siluane, Fascistencio João Faza (Fazito), Acacio Edmilson Muendane (Kaka), Ivane Official Urrubal, Kimiss Zavala.
Defenders: Sundays João Macandza, Edmilson Gabriel Dove, Bruno Alberto Langa, Reinildo Isnard Mandava, Infren da Conceição Matola, Diogo Calila, Oscar Benjamim Cherene, Bruno Wilson, Bheu António Januário, Fernando Macaime, Francisco Muchanga (Chico), Martinho Thauzene, Edson André Sitoe (Mexer), Feliciano Jone (Nené), Fernando Data Chambuco, Alberto Alface (Foia).
Midfielders: Amade Momade (Loved), Alfonso Amade, João Bonde, Ricardo Martins Guimarães (Guima), Manuel Nhanga Kambala, Keyns Abdala, Ezequiel Idalina Machava, Dario Melo, Pedro Miguel Neves Santos (Pepo), Aly Abudo Zacarias, Shaquille Nangy, Luis José Miquissone, Clésio Palmirim Bauque, Geny Cipriano Catamo, Jonathan Eusébio Muiomo, Elias Gaspar Pelembe (Sundays), Witiness João Quembo (Witi), Gildo Lourenço Vilanculos, Sapane Fabio Zunguze (Sampaio), Edson Mucuana Lobo, Stélio Marcelino Ernesto (Telinho).
Strikers: Amâncio Canhembe (Neymar), Stanley Ratifo, Faizal Bangal, Alcides David, António Sumbane, Ângelo Tomás Cantolo, Elias Macamo, Chamito Lamborino, Pachoio Lau Ha King (Lau King), Dayo António, Melque Melito Alexandre, Tomás Tomo Adolfo Mahumane.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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