Shock Exit: Mozambique Bows Out of CHAN 2025 Qualifiers

The leader of the Mozambique Football Federation (FMF), Feizal Sidat, has said that the country will not take part in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers because of the current political problems.

In a special interview with Pan-Africa Football, Sidat explained:
"Yes, we decided not to join because of the political issues in Mozambique. There is a civil war happening."

Zambia was scheduled to play Mozambique in this weekend's final round of qualifying. However, Zambia will automatically go to the CHAN finals now that they have withdrawn.

The trouble started after protests across the country following a presidential election on October 9, 2024, which some people think was not fair. The opposition groups say the ruling FRELIMO party cheated in the election, while FRELIMO says their candidate, Daniel Chapo, won fairly. After the election, there has been violence in the streets, causing many people to get hurt or killed.

Earlier, southern Africa's qualifiers for the Under-17 boys and girls Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were moved from Mozambique to South Africa due to the same unrest.

Political unrest has overshadowed Mozambique's participation on the continental stage, which is a major blow for the country's football aspirations. Zambia is now moving on to CHAN 2025, which will take place in East Africa in February.

Mozambique’s absence highlights the broader challenges facing nations where political instability disrupts sporting and social progress.