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Edmilson Dove
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Edmilson Gabriel Dove (born 18 July 1994) is a Mozambican professional footballer who plays for Mozambique national team. He primarily plays as a defender, but has also played as a midfielder.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Hailing from the town of Tavene in the Gaza Province, Dove played with various youth teams before arriving at Ferroviário de Maputo in 2013.[1] He made his debut with the first team during the 2015 season, winning a league title in his first year.[2]
In May 2016, Dove traveled to Lisbon to undergo a trial with Portuguese club Sporting CP.[1]
In January 2017, he was signed by South African Premier Division club Cape Town City to provide defensive depth after the exit of Aubrey Modiba, their first-choice left-back.[3] Dove initially caught their attention after an international friendly between Mozambique and South Africa that past November. He made his professional debut on 7 February, during a 3-0 victory over Highlands Park.[4][5] In just his fourth appearance with the team, a win over Baroka, he was named man of the match after providing an assist to Sibusiso Masina. The Star described his play by saying that "in just four games, he's taken the ABSA Premiership by storm."[6]
International career
[edit]Dove was first called up to the Mozambique national team for the 2015 COSAFA Cup,[7] making his debut in their quarter-finals victory over Malawi. His team finished as tournament runners-up, with Dove playing the full 90 minutes in the final against Namibia.[8]
He earned four caps for Mozambique during the 2016 African Nations Championship qualification, playing in both legs against Seychelles and Zambia before Mozambique got knocked out of the tournament.
Dove was also called up to the national team for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,[9] appearing in three games in Group H before Mozambique was eliminated.
Career statistics
[edit]International
[edit]- As of match played 25 March 2017.[10]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mozambique | 2015 | 7 | 0 |
| 2016 | 6 | 0 | |
| Total | 13 | 0 | |
Honours
[edit]Club
[edit]- Ferroviário de Maputo
- Cape Town City
- Kaizer Chiefs
- Cufa Cup:2024
- Home of Legends Cup:2024
International
[edit]- Mozambique
- COSAFA Cup: 2015 runners-up
References
[edit]- ^ a b Pinto, Pedro (18 May 2016). "Edmilson Dove à experiência no Sporting" (in Portuguese). supersporting.net. Retrieved 26 May 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ dos Remédios, José (29 June 2016). "Edmilson "falha" Sporting mas ainda pode representar uma equipa portuguesa" (in Portuguese). O País. Retrieved 26 May 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Said, Nick (27 January 2017). "Cape Town City concluded signing of Mozambique international Edmilson Dove". The Times. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
- ^ "Edmilson estreia-se com vitória sobre Highlands Park por 3-0" (in Portuguese). desportomais.com. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
- ^ "Cape Town City 3 – 0 Highlands Park". Soccerway. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
- ^ Reiners, Rodney (1 March 2017). "Edmilson, an inspired capture for Citizens". The Star. Retrieved 26 May 2017 – via PressReader.
- ^ Opiyo, Vincent (5 May 2015). "COSAFA Cup: Mozambique team named". Futaa. Retrieved 28 May 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Namibia are Cosafa Cup champions". The Namibian. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Muhinde, Jejje (1 June 2016). "Rwanda/Mozambique: Mozambique Team Expected Tomorrow Ahead of Amavubi Clash". AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
- ^ Edmilson Dove at National-Football-Teams.com
External links
[edit]- Edmilson Dove at ESPN FC
- Edmilson Dove at National-Football-Teams.com
- Edmilson Dove at Soccerway
- Ferroviário de Maputo profile
Edmilson Dove
View on GrokipediaClub career
Early career in Mozambique
Edmilson Dove was born on 18 July 1994 in Xai-Xai, Gaza Province, Mozambique, and grew up in the nearby area.[7][1] Dove's youth career began in 2008 when he joined Giral Sol FC, followed by a move to Clube de Gaza in 2010. He then progressed to Grupo Desportivo de Tavene for the 2011–2012 seasons, honing his skills as a defender in local setups.[7] In 2013, Dove joined the youth academy of Ferroviário de Maputo, signing his first professional contract and transitioning to senior football. He remained with the club through 2017, making his senior debut during the 2015 season and establishing himself as a reliable left-back. During this period, he contributed to key fixtures with defensive solidity.[7] Dove played a pivotal role in Ferroviário de Maputo's Moçambola league title victory in 2015, the club's first championship in several years, where his performances helped secure the top spot with 44 points from 26 matches. In his debut season, he featured prominently, aiding the team's unbeaten run in several crucial games against rivals like Costa do Sol. The decision to remain with a Mozambican club initially stemmed from strong family connections in the region.[8]Cape Town City
Edmilson Dove joined Cape Town City in January 2017 on a multi-year contract from Mozambican club Ferroviário Maputo, marking his transition to South African professional football after successful trials with the Citizens.[9] The 22-year-old Mozambique international, who had honed his defensive skills in domestic leagues back home, quickly adapted to the Premier Soccer League (PSL)'s pace, making an immediate impact with a sensational start in his first four appearances.[10] Dove's versatility allowed him to deploy effectively as both a centre-back and left-back, contributing to the team's defensive structure during his five-year tenure.[11] Over the 2017–2022 period, Dove made 102 appearances and scored 5 goals for Cape Town City across all competitions, establishing himself as a reliable performer in the PSL.[12] His standout 2018–2019 season saw consistent starts, including key contributions in league matches that highlighted his tough tackling and positional awareness. A fan favorite for his defensive solidity, Dove helped secure several clean sheets, notably in high-stakes derbies against rivals like Bidvest Wits, where his disciplined play was pivotal. In August 2018, he signed a four-year contract extension until 2022, quelling speculation about potential moves and affirming his commitment to the club.[13][14] Dove's most notable achievement with Cape Town City came in the 2018 MTN 8 Cup, where he started in the final against SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match ended 0–0 after extra time, with City winning 4–1 on penalties to claim their first title in the competition; Dove delivered a strong performance, including a rampaging run and precise cross that nearly led to a goal, while maintaining defensive composure throughout.[4][15][16] This triumph underscored his growing influence, as he became a mainstay in the backline, blending aggression with technical ability to earn praise from coaches and supporters alike.[17] Dove departed Cape Town City as a free agent in 2022 upon the expiry of his contract, attracting interest from larger PSL clubs including Kaizer Chiefs, where he subsequently transferred.[18]Kaizer Chiefs
After a brief stint with UD Songo in Mozambique from February to August 2022, Edmilson Dove joined Kaizer Chiefs from UD Songo on August 11, 2022, signing a two-year contract with an option for an additional year.[19][20][21] The Mozambican defender, who had briefly returned to UD Songo after a stint at Cape Town City, adapted to the high-pressure environment of one of South Africa's most prestigious clubs, drawing on his prior PSL experience to navigate the demands of the league.[22] During his tenure from 2022 to 2025, Dove primarily featured as a left-back or centre-back, making 56 appearances and scoring 2 goals across all competitions.[12][2] His versatility allowed him to contribute defensively while occasionally pushing forward, though injuries limited his consistency, including an Achilles tendon issue in the 2024 pre-season that sidelined him early in the 2024/25 campaign.[23] Dove's time at Chiefs was marked by defensive challenges, particularly in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, where the team struggled with form and conceded numerous goals, leading to public admissions of failure from the player himself.[24][25] He highlighted the frustration among the squad, noting dropped standards and unfulfilled promises to fans amid a trophyless league run that extended the club's decade-long drought until late in his stint.[26][27] Media coverage intensified around these issues, with Dove often in the spotlight for his candid reflections on the team's shortcomings and the pressure of playing for a club with massive expectations.[28] Fan interactions were mixed, reflecting the passion of the Amakhosi support base, but Dove's leadership in interviews helped foster a sense of accountability.[29] A notable resurgence came in the 2024/25 season's latter stages, as Dove overcame his injury to regain fitness and secure starts in crucial matches, including the Nedbank Cup final.[5] His contributions were pivotal in Chiefs' 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates on May 10, 2025, ending the club's long wait for silverware and providing a highlight in an otherwise disappointing campaign.[30][31] Dove's contract expired on June 30, 2025, leading to his departure from the club, which was officially announced on June 17.[21] In an emotional farewell message, he expressed gratitude to chairman Kaizer Motaung for the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of playing for Chiefs, while reflecting on the highs and lows, including tears shed and lessons learned during his three years at the club.[32][33]Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
On August 28, 2025, Edmilson Dove completed a free transfer to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya from Kaizer Chiefs, signing a two-year contract until June 2027 with the prominent Iraqi club competing in the Iraq Stars League.[34][35] Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, a dominant force in Iraqi football with three AFC Cup titles and consistent participation in continental tournaments, acquired Dove to bolster their defense with his experience as a Mozambican international centre-back. Dove, whose market value stands at €400,000, quickly adapted to his role as a centre-back in the 2025–2026 season, making his full debut in a 2–0 league victory over Al-Zawraa on October 6, 2025, where he delivered a solid defensive performance that earned praise from club officials.[36][37] By November 2025, he had featured in initial league matches, contributing to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's strong start that positioned them second in the Iraq Stars League standings with eight goals scored and four conceded in their early fixtures.[38] His signing addressed the team's need for seasoned defensive depth amid their pursuit of domestic and Asian success. Dove's transition to Asian football has highlighted his defensive versatility from prior South African engagements, aiding his integration into the squad's high-pressing style.[39] Looking ahead, Dove's ongoing international commitments with Mozambique complement Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's ambitions in the 2025–2026 AFC Champions League Elite, where the club has advanced to the group stage with eight points from six matches as of November 2025, offering him opportunities for further continental exposure.[40]International career
Debut and early international appearances
Edmilson Dove was first called up to the Mozambique national team for the 2015 COSAFA Cup, where he made his debut in the quarter-finals victory over Malawi on penalties after a 2–2 draw, and played in subsequent matches as the Mambas finished as runners-up.[6][3] His international debut came on May 25, 2015, in that COSAFA Cup match. This appearance marked the beginning of his integration into the senior squad, building on his emerging form at Ferroviário de Maputo.[1] Between 2015 and 2019, Dove accumulated approximately 24 caps for Mozambique without scoring a goal, focusing primarily on defensive duties in qualifiers and friendlies.[6][3] He featured prominently in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, earning three caps including starts against Ghana (both legs) and Mauritius, where he contributed to a crucial 1–0 victory over the latter to help secure qualification. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Dove made four appearances, including full matches against Namibia and Zambia, registering defensive shutouts in key games such as the 1–0 home win over Zambia.[6] Dove's early international career also included standout performances in the COSAFA Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes in the 2015 final against Namibia despite the 2–0 loss.[41] By 2019, he had earned regular call-ups, with five caps that year encompassing Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and a friendly against Kenya, solidifying his role as a reliable left-sided defender. His development during this period paralleled his club progression, gaining valuable experience in high-stakes matches that honed his tactical awareness and positioning.[42]Mature career and recent tournaments
Following his early international experiences, Edmilson Dove solidified his position as a reliable defender for the Mozambique national team from 2020 onward. His appearances progressed steadily post-2019, with 1 cap in 2021, 9 caps in 2022, 5 caps in 2023 (including 2 in the Africa Cup of Nations), 4 caps in 2024, and 3 caps in 2025, accumulating a total of 44 caps and 0 goals as of November 2025.[3][43] Dove featured prominently in major tournaments during this period, serving as a consistent starter in qualifiers and providing defensive stability. In the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 (held in Ivory Coast in 2024), he made 2 appearances in the group stage, starting against Egypt where he delivered a masterful performance by containing threats like Mohamed Salah and contributing to a historic 2-2 draw, and against Cape Verde in a 0-0 stalemate.[44][45] His efforts helped Mozambique secure their first point in the tournament since 2010, though the team exited in the group phase. Additionally, Dove earned 5 caps in CAF World Cup qualifiers across 2023–2025, including starts in crucial matches during Mozambique's campaign in Group G, and contributed to 13 total appearances in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers over his career, many as a regular in recent cycles.[46][6] In recent years, Dove's role evolved into that of a senior leader, often anchoring the backline during challenging qualification runs and boosting team morale with his experience from club moves like Kaizer Chiefs and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, which enhanced his availability for national duty. His defensive contributions were evident in the 2023 AFCON group stage, where he logged full minutes in both outings to limit high-scoring opponents, and in 2025 qualifiers, including appearances against Somalia and others, where he helped maintain solidity amid tough opposition.[44] By addressing earlier outdated tallies (such as 32 caps up to 2022), Dove's post-2022 surge underscores his enduring importance to the Mambas' defensive setup.Career statistics
Club statistics
Edmilson Dove's club career statistics reflect his role as a reliable defender across multiple African leagues, with a focus on defensive contributions rather than prolific scoring. As of November 17, 2025, his cumulative professional record for documented clubs stands at 163 appearances, 7 goals, and 2 assists in all competitions, aggregated from official league and cup matches on Transfermarkt. These figures include his appearances with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs in August 2025. Early career statistics with Ferroviário de Maputo are estimated based on secondary sources but not fully verified in major databases.[12][47] Dove's peak performing seasons include 2019–2020, during which he featured in 29 matches and scored 3 goals for Cape Town City, contributing to their competitive showings in the Premier Soccer League and cups. Another strong period was 2022–2023 at Kaizer Chiefs, with 32 appearances and 1 goal amid a demanding schedule of league and MTN 8 fixtures.[47] The following table summarizes his club statistics by major club, encompassing league play (e.g., Moçambola, Premier Soccer League, Iraq Stars League), domestic cups (e.g., Nedbank Cup, MTN 8, CUFA), and continental competitions where applicable. His brief stint with UD Songo in 2022 included approximately 12 appearances with no goals or assists. Early career appearances with Ferroviário de Maputo prior to 2017 are estimated but contribute additional senior totals.| Club | Period | League/Cup Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferroviário de Maputo | 2015–2017 | Moçambola & Cups | 36 | 2 |
| Cape Town City | 2017–2022 | PSL, Nedbank Cup, MTN 8 | 102 | 5 |
| UD Songo | 2022 | Moçambola & Cups | 12 | 0 |
| Kaizer Chiefs | 2022–2025 | PSL, Nedbank Cup, MTN 8 | 56 | 2 |
| Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | 2025–present | Iraq Stars League, Cups | 5 | 0 |
| Total (documented) | 2017–2025 | All Competitions | 175 | 7 |
International statistics
Edmilson Dove has earned 44 caps for the Mozambique national team as a defender from his debut on 25 May 2015 against Malawi in the COSAFA Cup until November 2025, without scoring any goals.[3] His appearances span multiple competitions, including regional tournaments like the COSAFA Cup, continental qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup, and the AFCON finals themselves. Detailed records indicate consistent involvement, particularly in qualifiers, with no goals contributed across all matches.[6] The following table summarizes Dove's international appearances by competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| COSAFA Cup | 11 | 0 | Regional tournament; multiple editions from 2015–2022 |
| Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers | 13 | 0 | Key defensive role in qualification campaigns |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 5 | 0 | Africa zone matches |
| Africa Cup of Nations Finals | 2 | 0 | 2024 tournament appearances vs. Egypt and Cape Verde |
| Friendlies and Other | 13 | 0 | Includes CHAN and international friendlies |
| Year | Appearances | Key Tournaments/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 | COSAFA Cup debut and CHAN qualifiers |
| 2016 | 6 | AFCON qualifiers vs. Ghana, Mauritius |
| 2017 | 2 | AFCON qualifiers and friendly |
| 2018 | 6 | COSAFA Cup and AFCON qualifiers |
| 2019 | 5 | COSAFA Cup, World Cup, and AFCON qualifiers |
| 2020–2022 | 4 | Limited due to scheduling; includes COSAFA 2022 and CHAN 2022 |
| 2023 | 7 | AFCON qualifiers and friendlies |
| 2024 | 4 | AFCON finals (2 apps) and friendlies |
| 2025 | 3 | World Cup qualifiers and friendly (as of October) |
