New Mozambique coach Abel Xavier wants to reconstruct the national team and inject a battling spirit to the team as they contemplate an immediate barren future.

Mozambique were eliminated from the running for the African Nations Cup finals after being beaten by Ghana 3-1 last Thursday in Accra and then drawing with the Black Stars in Maputo on Sunday.

“We played two games at a very good level against Ghana despite only having come together as a squad a few days before. I believe that this selection has a future and what we needed now is to give credit to the team. I said when I arrived that we would play like for like against all opponents, and Ghana was no different,” said the former Portugal international who only took over in charge at the start of February.

“I want to bring out the Mambas’ soul, flame and competitive identity. Yes, wins are necessary, of course, but above all it is important to have a spirited group and a commitment to the work,” the coach added as he looked back on the two fixtures.

Mozambique have picked up just a single point from their four Group H matches in the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers. They play Rwanda away next in June and finish at home to Mauritius in September but can no longer catch Ghana at the top.