Mozambique coach Augusto Matine has launched a major clear-out of his team, dropping several long-standing internationals from his squad to face Central African Republic in the African Nations Cup qualifiers on 8 September.

Matine has left out all but one of the country's considerable South African-based continent after the disappointing 3-0 loss against Zambia in the Cosafa Cup quarter-final in Lusaka in July.

The only survivor in Kaizer Chiefs winger Jossias, who is one of five foreign-based players in the side.

The other four all come from the Portuguese league and include Benfica defender Armando, who has not played for the country in more than two years.

Mozambique are seeking to qualify for the finals for the first time since the 1988 finals in Burkina Faso.

The southern African country have played in the finals three times before but in the 2002 qualifiers did not even get past the preliminary round, beaten on penalties after drawing with lowly Lesotho. Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jaimito (Maxaquene), Kampango (Ferrovario Maputo), Victor (Maxquene)
Defenders: Alberto (Maxaquene), Armando (Benfica, Portugal), Kito (Ferrovario Maputo), Macamo, Marito (both Maxaquene), Paito (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Pascoal (Costa do Sol)
Midfielders: Custodio (Matchedje), Genito (Maxaquene), Goncalves Fumo (Farense, Portugal), Jossias (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Mabui (Maxaquene), Mano (Desportivo Maputo), Mauricio (Ferrovario Maputo), Nelinho (Costa do Sol)
Strikers: Bino (Chingale), Dario (Academica Coimbra, Portugal), Leonel (Ferrovario Quelimane), Mavo (Costa do Sol), Rito (Ferrovario Quelimane), To (Costa do Sol), Zito (Ferrovario Maputo).