After four matches in Group G, the Mambas have nine points, the same as the 2019 African champions, but they are in second place due to a lower goal difference.
Chiquinho Conde’s team will continue their qualification campaign with a home match against Uganda on March 20, before traveling to Tizi Ouzou five days later for a top-of-the-table clash with the Desert Foxes.
With just a few days until their match against the Cranes in Cairo, the striker admits that qualifying for the World Cup won’t be easy but insists his team remains positive.
"Every country in our group wants to be at the FIFA World Cup, and we are no exception. It is still early in the qualifiers, and there is everything to play for," Melo told Flashscore.
"The group remains wide open, and despite our current position, we are still optimistic about our chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
"Our only defeat so far has been against Algeria, but I’m glad we bounced back with two victories, especially the one against Guinea.
"We understand what it means to be at the World Cup - it would change our lives forever.
"Moving forward, we will take our remaining matches even more seriously, leaving no room for complacency."
Melo revealed that his country is drawing inspiration from Angola and Togo, who qualified for the World Cup as underdogs.
Palancas Negras pulled off one of Africa’s greatest upsets by defeating Nigeria in a tough qualifying group, securing their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2006 in Germany.
In the same edition, Stephen Keshi’s Hawks earned a spot by upsetting Senegal, Zambia, and Mali.
He continued: "Just like the other teams in our group, we believe we have a chance, and we hope to follow in the footsteps of Angola and Togo, who qualified despite being considered underdogs.
"Many have labeled us as outsiders, but we’re not bothered by that. All we want to do is focus on getting the job done and let our performance on the field speak for itself.
"Our team is a mix of youth and experience, with a coach who is a great inspiration to many of us. We’re determined to prove ourselves, and we remain hopeful that all odds will be in our favour.
"Our main wish is for our squad to stay injury-free as we push forward in the qualifiers.
"The journey is long, but we’re ready to give our best and take every opportunity that comes our way."
In a related development, coach Conde announced a 25-man squad on Tuesday, which includes 20-year-old Maritimo goalkeeper Kimiss Zavala and Black Bulls striker Kelvio Neves.
Edmilson makes his return after a lengthy injury layoff, having recently come back for South African giants Kaizer Chiefs. Meanwhile, 33-year-old Chico is also back for the first time in nearly two years.
Mozambique squad for Uganda and Algeria
Goalkeepers: Ernan (Associacao Black Bulls), Ivane Urrubal (Uniao Desportiva Songo), Kimiss Zavala (Maritimo, Portugal)
Defenders: Chamboco (Associacao Black Bulls), Chico (Costa do Sol), Edmilson (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Bruno Langa (Almeria, Spain), Domingos Macandza (Associacao Black Bulls), Nanani (Uniao Desportiva Songo), Nene (Associacao Black Bulls), Reinildo (Atletico Madrid, Spain)
Midfielders: Alfonso Amade (Septemvri Sofia, Bulgaria), Amadou (Tanzania Prisons, Tanzania), Joao Bonde (Ferroviario Beira), Dominguez (Uniao Desportiva Songo), Guima (Zira FK, Azerbaijan), Pepo (Caldas, Portugal), Shaquille (Sagrada Esperanca, Angola)
Forwards: Clesio Bauque (Associacao Black Bulls), Geny Catamo (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Gildo (Jerash, Saudi Arabia), Elias Macamo (Ferroviario Maputo), Kelvio Neves (Associacao Black Bulls), Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig, Germany), Witi (Al Orooba, United Arab Emirates).
