Veteran Mozambican forward, Dominguez, is poised to make history at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. The 42-year-old has been named in the final 25-man squad announced by the Mozambican Football Federation, securing his place as potentially the second-oldest player to ever feature in the prestigious tournament.
Dominguez’s inclusion marks a significant moment for both the player and his nation. He celebrated his 42nd birthday last month, and if he takes to the field during the competition, he will only be surpassed by Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary in the all-time age rankings. El-Hadary famously played in the 2017 AFCON final against Cameroon at the age of 44 years and 21 days.
The journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. Earlier this year, coach Chiquinho Conde initially excluded Dominguez from the squad due to delays in passport submission and visa acquisition, forcing the team to play a crucial World Cup qualifier without him. However, Dominguez received a call-up last month for two friendly matches, where he successfully demonstrated his continued value to the team and cemented his place in the final squad.
Mozambique finds itself in Group F of the AFCON finals, alongside reigning champions Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Cameroon. The competition promises to be fierce, and Dominguez’s experience and leadership will be crucial as Mozambique aims to make a significant impact on the tournament.
DZWatch will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of Mozambique’s progress at AFCON 2025.
