Mozambique's new blend of young and old proved victorious in Maputo on Sunday as the Mambas beat Madagascar 2-0 in the first round of the Cosafa Castle Cuip.
The combination of veteran players, like captain Tico-Tico and burly defender Tomas with four teenagers promoted from the under-20 side, suggested an exciting new beginning for the Mozambicans, rebuilding their side after the disappointment of early elimination in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers last November.
Tico-Tico scored midway through the first half and substitute Fala-Fala added a second goal just before the final whistle to ensure Mozambique progress through to the quarter-finals of the annual southern African championship.
Mozambique, playing only their second match under new Egyptian coach Ayman Elyamany, dominated the play with almost 60 percent of the possession and a positive corner count of 15 to five.
But it took them 64 minutes to finally find reward for their territorial superiority when Tico-Tico blasted home from close range after Nelinho split the visitors' defence with a short pass.
The South African-based striker had been given a free role throughout the game but played far too deep to be effective until his Jomo Cosmos clubmate To was brought on as a second-half substitute.
Mozambique could have been two up inside the first five minutes but were denied by two fine saves by the Malagasy goalkeeper Jean-Chrysostome Raharison.
Madagascar had few chances but looked dangerous with their pace on the counter-attack but were hampered by a lack of height and physical strength against the tall Mozambique defence.
The second goal for the Mambas came on the stroke of full time as man of the match when Nelinho drove the ball and Raharison failed to hold on, presenting an easy tap in for Fala-Fala.
It was his first appearance for the side and Fala-Fala's debut was celebrated with a first goal. Angola host Namibia in Luanda on May 9 in the next match in the competition.