Injury Rules Out Mozambique's Mano From World Cup Qualifier

Mozambique will be without Egypt-based midfielder Mano for their World Cup qualifier against Tunisia on November 14 in Maputo as a result of injury.

Dutch coach of the Black Mambas, Mart Nooij, told Nigerian sports radio station Brila FM that Mano has had to undergo surgery on a fractured fibula, which he suffered during the World Cup game against Nigeria in Abuja last month.

"Mano fractured his fibula very late in the game against Nigeria and had to be operated on when he returned to his club in Egypt," Nooij said.

Mano was replaced in the 94th minute of the match against Nigeria because of this injury.

The coach said that, besides the 25-year-old ENPPI star, he has a complete squad to choose from for their home game against the Carthage Eagles.

He disclosed that the team will begin training on Monday in Maputo and he is confident of victory against the North Africans.

"Since I took over this team in 2007, I have played 12 matches at the Machava Stadium in Maputo. I have won eight of these matches, drew three and lost only once," Nooij said.

"I'm therefore confident we will get the best result possible and qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations."

Should Mozambique win or draw with Group 2 leaders Tunisia, Nigeria will qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa, provided they beat Kenya. The Mambas would also qualify for the Nations Cup.

Samm Audu, Goal.com