El Hadji Malick Diouf backs Senegal’s point in Mozambique

Senegal’s opening point in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign has been judged positively by El Hadji Malick Diouf, although he said the team must correct its second-half performance before the next match. The defender also stressed that away fixtures in Africa will demand sustained concentration from a Senegal side opponents are eager to defeat.

Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique on Friday in the first round of qualifiers. Diouf felt the tactical plan worked well before the interval and that the Lions had created enough opportunities to score more. However, he said small details allowed Mozambique to find the net, leaving Senegal to settle for a point rather than the victory it wanted.

The result gives Senegal a measured start to the qualifying campaign, while Diouf said the team’s attitude remained encouraging. He accepted that the draw was not a poor outcome on the road, even though Senegal expects to pursue wins in every fixture. His assessment reflects the difficulty of securing results away from home, particularly for a team carrying the status of one of the sides to beat.

Diouf called for further work on the second half, when Senegal had less control than before the break. He said the squad must stay focused and prepare carefully for another demanding game, with every future away trip likely to bring the same level of pressure.