MOZAMBIQUE

Home 1996

Matchworn Danito Nhampossa 1996 Africa Cup of Nations

Manufacturer: Olympic

Source: Collector

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THE TEAM

1996 marked only the second time that Mozambique had participated in the Africa Cup of Nations. But unlike their pointless debut in 1986, they managed to secure their first point with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia. It would take almost 30 years for the lusophone country to secure its first victory in the African continental tournament. And as I write these lines, the team is battling Cameroon for a place in the round of 16.

THE SHIRT

The jersey is a good example of how much longer the shirts of smaller nations remain in use compared to those of the “big” teams.

Originally worn with the players' names from the 1996 Africa Cup, the jerseys were not discarded after the tournament, but were instead fitted with a red strip of fabric and the inscription “Moçambique” and thus worn in further games. As you can see in the backlight, the name “Daniel” appears under the lettering, referring to Danito Nhampossa, who wore the shirt during the tournament.

The bright red jersey is made by Portuguese manufacturer Olympic with ist most striking detail being the collar, which features Mozambique's other national colors. Unfortunately, the Kalashnikov that adorns the country's flag is nowhere to be found on the jersey.

Nevertheless, it is a fantastic new addition to my growing “Africa Cup” collection.

Mozambique's national team during the Africa Cup 1996