Stanley Ratifo usually plays for Chemie Leipzig in the Regionalliga Nordost. Now the striker is the only player from the 4th division on the pitch at the Africa Cup – and is carrying Mozambique’s hopes.
The Africa Cup of Nations takes place from December 21st to January 18th. Mozambique starts the tournament on Christmas Eve in Marrakesh against defending champions Ivory Coast. In his homeland, Stanley Ratifo carries the hopes of an entire country, fans chant his name. “You are welcomed with a lot of love,” says Attacker about the reactions in Mozambique.
Indispensable for Chemie Leipzig
From a sporting perspective, his nomination comes as no surprise. Stanley Ratifo is life insurance for Chemie Leipzig this season. In 17 games he scored nine goals and prepared two more.
Stanley Ratifo has been storming for BSG Chemie Leipzig since summer 2024.
The 31-year-old, who grew up in Halle and whose father came to the GDR as a guest worker in the 1980s, was called up for Mozambique’s national team for the first time in 2017. In his competitive debut he achieved something historic: his goal in stoppage time gave Mozambique their first ever win against Zambia.
One win is still missing
This is the striker’s second Africa Cup participation. In 2023, Mozambique narrowly missed an upset against Egypt. His country has never achieved victory in a continental comparison. Ratifo is still confident about the tournament: “We are currently a very good team and I can also imagine that the fans are expecting a surprise.” Stanley Ratifo wants to do his part and is hoping for a special Christmas present.
Ingo Hahne and Victoria Bischoff
