Mozambique have made a significant overhaul to their squad as they begin the group phase of their World Cup qualification with coach Horácio Gonçalves leaving out several stalwarts for the matches against the Ivory Coast and Malawi next week.

Dropped are captain Dominguez (Royal AM), Kambala (Baroka FC), Edmilson (Cape Town City), Mexer (Girondins Bordeaux), Clésio (Marítimo) and Jeitoso of Ferroviário Maputo, among others.

Goncalves has called on nine foreign-based players and four players from Black Bulls, who lead the Mozambican league standings.

Mozambique host Côte d’Ivoire at the Zimpeto National Stadium on Friday in their oeing Group D clash and then take on Malawi on September 7 at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: César (Ferroviário Beira), Cigano (Liga Desportiva Maputo), Ernan (Ferroviário Maputo), Victor Guambe (Costa do Sol)

Defenders: Agenor (UD Songo), Bonera (Marítimo, Portugal), Bruno Langa (Chaves, Portugal), Fidel, Martinho (both Black Bulls), Norberto Júnior (AD Vilankulo), Reinildo (Lille, France), Zainadine Jr (Marítimo, Portugal)

Midfielders: Abel Joshua (Vitória Guimarães, Portugal), Cândido Mathe (UD Songo), Luís Miquissone (Al Ahly, Egypt), Melque (Black Bulls), Nene (Costa do Sol), Neymar Canhembe (Marítimo, Portugal), Nilton (Costa do Sol), Salas (Ferroviário Nampula), Shaquille (Ferroviário Maputo), Witi (Nacional, Portugal)

Forwards: Estêvão (Liga Desportiva Maputo), Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Victor Júnior (Black Bulls).