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Domingues
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Elias Gaspar Pelembe (born 13 November 1983 in Maputo), also known simply as Domingues, is a Mozambican footballer who plays for UD Songo and Mozambique. His position is midfielder.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Domingues, as he is nicknamed, moved to South Africa in 2007 from Desportivo Maputo. He was considered Supersport United's most influential player when they won the 2007–08 Premier Soccer League and was subsequently voted PSL Player of the Season.[citation needed]
During the summer of 2009, he was rumoured to be closing in on a move to one of Europe's bigger leagues as he had caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur scouts following a string of impressive performers for club and national team. Eventually he was bought by big-spenders Mamelodi Sundowns where he was handed a substantial wage.
On 17 May 2017, Bidvest Wits were crowned 2016-17 Premier Soccer League Champions, following a 2–0 win over Polokwane City, beating his former club (Mamelodi Sundowns) in the title race. According to his coach, Gavin Hunt, Domingues was instrumental in that game. The win also meant he is now one of very few players to have won the Premier Soccer League title 4 times (with 3 different clubs), having also won 2 with Supersport United in 2007–08 Premier Soccer League and 2008–09 Premier Soccer League and 1 with Mamelodi Sundowns) in 2013–14 Premier Soccer League.[1]
Furthermore, the win also meant he successfully completed a League and Cup double, since Bidvest Wits also won the MTN 8 title earlier in the season, with a 3–0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Mbombela Stadium, on 1 October 2016.[2][3]
He left Bidvest Wits at the end of the 2019–20 season. He joined Polokwane City in a free agent transfer in February 2021.[4]
International career
[edit]Domingues began his international career with Mozambique in 2004 and went on to become the nation's most capped player, earning over 120 appearances.[5]
On 24 December 2025, at the age of 42 years, one month and six days, Domingues became the oldest-ever outfield player to make an appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations when he was introduced as a 67th-minute substitute in Mozambique's 1–0 group game loss to Ivory Coast, and second oldest overall only behind goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.[6]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of 5 January 2026[5]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | 2004 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2009 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2012 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2015 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 6 | 2 | |
| 2017 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2025 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 124 | 17 | |
- Scores and results list Mozambique's goal tally first.[7]
| No | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 22 June 2008 | Estádio da Machava, Maputo, Mozambique | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 2. | 20 August 2008 | Estádio da Machava, Maputo, Mozambique | 3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |
| 3. | 11 February 2009 | Estádio da Machava, Maputo, Mozambique | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
| 4. | 20 June 2009 | Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya | 1–1 | 1–2 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 5. | 11 August 2010 | Estádio da Machava, Maputo, Mozambique | 1–0 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
| 6. | 8 October 2011 | Estádio da Machava, Maputo, Mozambique | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 7. | 15 November 2011 | Estádio do Zimpeto, Maputo, Mozambique | 1–0 | 4–1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 8. | 9 September 2012 | Estádio do Zimpeto, Maputo, Mozambique | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 9. | 9 June 2013 | Stade du 28 Septembre, Conakry, Guinea | 1–2 | 1–6 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 10. | 20 July 2014 | National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | 1–0 | 2–2 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 11. | 3 August 2014 | Estádio do Zimpeto, Maputo, Mozambique | 2–1 | 2–1 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 12. | 10 September 2014 | Estádio do Zimpeto, Maputo, Mozambique | 1–0 | 1–1 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 13. | 29 March 2015 | Lobatse Stadium, Lobatse, Botswana | 2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
| 14. | 4 June 2016 | Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, Rwanda | 1–0 | 3–2 | 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification | |
| 15. | 3–2 | |||||
| 16. | 2 September 2017 | Estádio do Zimpeto, Maputo, Mozambique | 1–0 | 1–1 | Friendly | |
| 17. | 14 October 2024 | Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela, South Africa | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |
Honours
[edit]Club
[edit]- Mamelodi Sundowns
- SuperSport United
- Premier Soccer League: 2007-2008, 2008–09
- Bidvest Wits
- Premier Soccer League: 2016–17
- MTN 8:2016
- Telkom Knockout Cup: 2017
References
[edit]- ^ Sport, EWN. "Hunt hails team after Wits wrap up maiden league title". Retrieved 14 May 2018.
- ^ "Africans abroad midweek review: Titles aplenty for the continent's stars | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
- ^ "MTN8 Final Report: Bidvest Wits v Mamelodi Sundowns 01 October 2016". www.soccerladuma.co.za. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
- ^ "Former South Africa player of the season finds new home at 37 years old". Panafricanfootball. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
- ^ a b Mamrud, Roberto (10 January 2025). "Elías Gaspar Pelembe "Dominguês" - Century of International Appearances". RSSSF.
- ^ "Afcon roundup: Algeria beat 10-man Sudan and Côte d'Ivoire start defence with win". The Guardian. 24 December 2025. Retrieved 24 December 2025.
- ^ "Pelembe, Dominguês". National Football Teams. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
External links
[edit]- Domingues at National-Football-Teams.com
- Bidvest Wits profile Archived 18 September 2020 at the Wayback Machine
- Domingues at Soccerway
Domingues
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Upbringing
Elias Gaspar Pelembe, commonly known as Domingues, was born on 13 November 1983 in Maputo, Mozambique.[2] He grew up in the city's Airport neighborhood during the post-civil war period, following the end of the Mozambican Civil War in 1992, which had profoundly shaped the nation's social and economic landscape. Details about Domingues' family background, including his parents' occupations or any siblings, remain largely undisclosed in public records, though his upbringing occurred in a working-class urban environment typical of Maputo at the time. His early exposure to football came through informal street games in local community spaces, such as the Xitala Mati wetland, where he honed his skills amid everyday play with neighborhood children.[3] Physically, Domingues developed into a right-footed player standing at 1.73 meters tall, traits that became evident during his youth and suited his agile, attacking midfield style.[2] These formative experiences in Maputo's vibrant yet challenging post-war communities laid the groundwork for his passion for the sport, eventually drawing attention from local youth programs.[4]Youth career
Domingues, whose full name is Elias Gaspar Pelembe, began his formal involvement in organized football in Maputo at the age of 13. In 1996, he participated in the BEBEC tournament representing his Airport neighborhood team, where his performances led to his integration into the youth ranks of Estrela Vermelha de Maputo.[3] There, under the guidance of coach Chico, he spent two seasons honing his abilities, during which he scored his first competitive goal at age 13 in a match against Ferroviário de Maputo.[3] His early performances highlighted his natural talent for spectacular play, drawing attention from local scouts.[3] Following his time at Estrela Vermelha, Domingues transferred to the youth academy of Desportivo Maputo around the age of 16, accompanied by his former coach Chico.[3] This move represented a pivotal advancement in his development, as the academy provided more intensive training opportunities within a prominent Mozambican club.[2] Youth club records confirm his progression through both Estrela Vermelha and Desportivo Maputo's junior systems.[2][5] During his youth training at Desportivo Maputo, Domingues focused on refining key skills such as exceptional dribbling and explosive speed, which became defining elements of his style and helped him stand out among peers.[3] These attributes were cultivated through rigorous sessions emphasizing technical proficiency and agility, attracting crowds to watch his promising displays.[3] In 2004, at the age of 20, Domingues earned promotion to Desportivo Maputo's senior team, transitioning from youth football to professional competition.[3][5] This step concluded his youth phase and launched his senior career in the Mozambican top flight.[2]Club career
Desportivo Maputo
Domingues made his senior debut for Desportivo Maputo in 2004, beginning his professional career with the hometown club in Mozambique's top-flight Moçambola league.[2] Playing primarily as a right-winger, he quickly established himself as a key attacking threat on the flank, utilizing his pace and dribbling to contribute to the team's offensive plays.[6] Over the next three seasons, he featured regularly in domestic competitions, helping Desportivo Maputo maintain competitiveness in the league. During the 2004–2007 period, Domingues recorded notable goal-scoring contributions, including 8 goals in the 2006 Moçambola season and 15 goals in 30 appearances the following year.[6] His performances were instrumental in Desportivo Maputo's success, particularly as the club clinched the Moçambola title in 2006 with a dominant 47-point campaign, featuring 14 wins, 5 draws, and just 3 losses.[7] These achievements highlighted his growing influence in Mozambican football, where he combined creativity and finishing to aid the team's league triumph. Impressing scouts with his flair and productivity in the Mozambican league, Domingues transferred to South African club Supersport United in 2007, marking the end of his initial professional stint at Desportivo Maputo.[8] This move came after approximately four years at the club, during which he amassed over 50 appearances across all competitions, solidifying his reputation as an emerging talent from Mozambique.[6]Supersport United
In 2007, Domingues transferred from Desportivo Maputo to SuperSport United in South Africa for an undisclosed fee, marking his entry into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) following successful domestic experience in Mozambique.[9][10] During his two-season stint from 2007 to 2009, Domingues made 56 appearances and scored 14 goals in the PSL, establishing himself as a dynamic presence in midfield.[10] He played a pivotal role in SuperSport United's success, contributing to their league triumphs in the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons, the latter confirmed by a 55-point finish atop the standings.[9][11] His standout performances earned him the PSL Player of the Season award for 2007–08, recognizing his influence as a key attacker who terrorized defenses and drove the team's championship campaign.[9][12]Mamelodi Sundowns
Domingues joined Mamelodi Sundowns on July 1, 2009, transferring from SuperSport United on a multi-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[13] This move came after two successful seasons with SuperSport United, where he had established himself as a reliable attacking midfielder in the Premier Soccer League. At Sundowns, one of South Africa's most prominent clubs, Domingues was expected to provide creativity and flair in midfield, leveraging his technical skills and vision to support the team's ambitions in domestic and continental competitions. Over his six-year stint with Mamelodi Sundowns from 2009 to 2015, Domingues featured in 131 matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 30 assists.[14] His contributions were particularly notable in the Premier Soccer League, where he became a consistent performer, often deployed on the wings or in an advanced midfield role to orchestrate attacks and deliver precise crosses. Domingues' endurance and consistency during this period solidified his status as a key squad member, earning him recognition as the club's "Best Athlete" in the 2013-2014 season for his pivotal performances.[3] During his time at Sundowns, Domingues played a significant role in the club's domestic successes, including their victory in the 2013-14 ABSA Premiership title, which ended a six-year league drought for the team.[15] This triumph highlighted his importance in high-stakes matches, where his ability to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities helped Sundowns secure the championship. Additionally, the club won other domestic honors, such as the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2015, with Domingues contributing to these cup runs through his involvement in knockout stages.[15] Domingues also featured prominently in Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Champions League campaigns, participating in group stage qualifications during the 2011-12 and 2013-14 seasons. In these continental efforts, he provided midfield stability and occasional goal threats, helping the team navigate challenging group fixtures against African powerhouses, although Sundowns did not advance beyond the group stage in either edition. His experience in these tournaments underscored his value in adding international pedigree to the squad during a period of growing continental aspirations for the club.Bidvest Wits
Domingues joined Bidvest Wits on a free transfer in July 2015, following the expiration of his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.[16] At 31 years old, the Mozambican midfielder brought prior Premier Soccer League title-winning experience from his time at Sundowns, adding depth to the Clever Boys' squad under coach Gavin Hunt.[17] Over the next five seasons, from 2015 to 2020, Domingues made 94 appearances and scored 4 goals across all competitions for Bidvest Wits. His contributions were instrumental in the club's successful campaign during the 2016 MTN 8, where he scored in the semi-final victory over Cape Town City FC, helping secure a 3-0 aggregate win and paving the way for the final triumph against Mamelodi Sundowns.[18] The following year, Bidvest Wits clinched their first-ever PSL title in the 2016-17 season, defeating Polokwane City 2-0 to confirm the championship, with Domingues featuring as a key squad member in the title-winning side.[19] As a veteran in his mid-to-late 30s, Domingues provided leadership and mentorship to younger players, drawing on his extensive experience to guide the team's development amid growing uncertainties. This role became particularly poignant as Bidvest Wits faced financial challenges, culminating in the sale of their PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in June 2020, which led to the club's effective disbandment after nearly a century of existence.[20]Later clubs
Following his departure from Bidvest Wits, Domingues signed with Polokwane City on a free transfer in February 2021, marking a short-lived return to the Premier Soccer League. In his brief spell with the club during the 2020/21 season, he featured in 14 matches across all competitions but did not score any goals.[1][10] Later in 2021, Domingues transferred to Royal AM, where he remained until the end of the 2022/23 season. Over this period, he made 29 appearances and netted 3 goals, though persistent injuries hampered his consistency and availability.[1][10][21] In July 2023, at age 39, Domingues returned to his home country by joining UD Songo in the Moçambola. As of November 2025, he has made 70 appearances and scored 9 goals for the club across domestic and continental fixtures, contributing to their competitive campaigns.[1][10][22] At age 42, Domingues remains active with UD Songo as of November 2025, emphasizing a mentoring role for emerging talents in the Moçambola while continuing to provide leadership on the pitch.[1][23][24][25]International career
Early international career
Domingues made his international debut for Mozambique on 13 June 2004, shortly after beginning his senior club career with Desportivo Maputo, in a 2–0 victory over Malawi during the COSAFA Cup.[26] This appearance marked the start of his rapid integration into the national team, where his attacking flair from domestic play quickly earned him regular selection.[27] Over the following years, Domingues accumulated approximately 35 caps by 2010, with a significant portion coming from Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers that showcased his growing influence.[26] Key matches included the 2006 qualifiers against Tanzania (0–0 draw on 8 October) and Burkina Faso (3–1 win on 3 June 2007), where his contributions in midfield helped Mozambique compete against stronger regional sides.[26] These games highlighted his role in building the team's defensive solidity and counter-attacking threat during early international campaigns. Domingues scored his first international goal on 22 June 2008, netting in a 3–0 World Cup qualifier win against Madagascar at Estádio da Machava.[26] He followed this up quickly with another goal on 20 August 2008 in a 3–0 friendly victory over Swaziland, demonstrating his scoring ability from set pieces and open play.[26] His early international phase culminated in Mozambique's participation in the 2010 AFCON in Angola, where Domingues featured in all three group stage matches: a 2–2 draw against Benin, a 0–2 loss to Egypt, and a 0–3 defeat to Nigeria.[26] Although the team did not advance, these appearances solidified his status as a key player in Mozambique's continental efforts.Later career and captaincy
Domingues assumed the captaincy of the Mozambique national team in the late 2010s, guiding the Mambas through key campaigns including the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2021 qualifiers.[28] Under his leadership, Mozambique achieved notable progress, such as reaching the knockout stages at AFCON 2019 before exiting in the round of 16.[29] As of November 17, 2025, Domingues has earned 120 caps and scored 17 goals for Mozambique, solidifying his status as the most-capped player in the nation's history.[30] His longevity and contributions underscored his pivotal role in the team's development, with consistent performances in qualifiers and friendlies. Domingues' international involvement was interrupted in 2024 amid a public clash with head coach Chiquinho Conde over selection decisions, leading to his absence from several matches.[31] This dispute highlighted tensions within the squad but did not diminish his legacy as a leader. In a remarkable turn, the 42-year-old was recalled in November 2025 for friendlies against Morocco and Chad, aimed at preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He earned his 119th cap against Morocco on November 14, 2025, substituting at halftime in a 0–1 defeat, and his 120th cap against Chad on November 17, 2025, where he featured and was involved in a penalty incident during the 2–2 draw, as he eyes surpassing Essam El-Hadary's records for most appearances and oldest participant.[32][33][34][35]International goals
Domingues has scored 17 goals in 120 appearances for the Mozambique national team since his debut in 2004. His goal tally includes contributions across various competitions, with his most recent strike coming on 14 October 2024 against Eswatini in a 3-0 victory during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.[36] The following table lists all of Domingues' international goals, including the date, opponent, final score, and competition:| No. | Date | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 June 2008 | Madagascar | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying |
| 2 | 20 August 2008 | Eswatini | 3–0 | 3–0 | Friendly |
| 3 | 11 February 2009 | Malawi | 2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly |
| 4 | 20 June 2009 | Kenya | 1–1 | 1–2 | 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying |
| 5 | 11 August 2010 | Eswatini | 1–0 | 2–1 | Friendly |
| 6 | 8 October 2011 | Comoros | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
| 7 | 15 November 2011 | Comoros | 1–0 | 4–1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying |
| 8 | 9 September 2012 | Morocco | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
| 9 | 9 June 2013 | Guinea | 1–2 | 1–6 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying |
| 10 | 20 July 2014 | Tanzania | 1–0 | 2–2 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
| 11 | 3 August 2014 | Tanzania | 2–1 | 2–1 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
| 12 | 10 September 2014 | Niger | 1–0 | 1–1 | 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
| 13 | 29 March 2015 | Botswana | 2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly |
| 14 | 4 June 2016 | Rwanda | 1–0 | 3–2 | 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
| 15 | 4 June 2016 | Rwanda | 3–2 | 3–2 | 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
| 16 | 2 September 2017 | Kenya | 1–0 | 1–1 | Friendly |
| 17 | 14 October 2024 | Eswatini | 1–0 | 3–0 | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying |
