Mozambique 1-1 Senegal: CAN 2027 qualifying opener ends level

Senegal began their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique at the National Stadium of Zimpeto in Maputo on Friday, 25 September 2026. Nicolas Jackson gave the Lions the lead after around half an hour, but Geny Catamo equalised for the Mambas in first-half stoppage time. Neither side found a winning goal after the break, leaving both teams with a point in Group J.

The match had originally been scheduled to take place in Dakar. It was moved to Maputo because the infrastructure intended to host the fixture in Senegal was unavailable. Kick-off came at 13:00 GMT, or 15:00 local time in Maputo, with Senegal seeking a positive start before their next Group J appointment against Ethiopia.

The draw also marked Patrick Vieira’s first match in charge of Senegal. Sadio Mané was absent from the squad because of physical problems, according to the explanation given before the match. Vieira therefore began his competitive tenure without one of the team’s most experienced attacking players, while Senegal still fielded an early lineup capable of putting Mozambique under pressure.

Senegal controlled much of the opening half and created the clearer threat during the first 30 minutes. Their attacks repeatedly used the left side, where a Lens-based player caused problems with runs, crosses and shots. He forced goalkeeper Siluane into a save after cutting inside, went close following a combination with Jackson and later saw another effort deflected behind. Senegal also won several corners as Mozambique struggled to contain the visitors’ pressure.

Jackson eventually converted that dominance. The Senegal striker finished from close range to beat Siluane and put Vieira’s team ahead after roughly half an hour. The opening goal reflected Senegal’s stronger start, although the Lions had not produced a large number of clear chances before taking the lead. Mozambique had threatened mainly through set pieces and occasional deliveries towards Gildo and Bangal.

The Mambas changed the mood just before half-time. Catamo produced a superb cross-shot from outside the penalty area in added time, leaving Senegal goalkeeper Diouf unable to prevent the equaliser. The Sporting player’s strike brought Mozambique level at 1-1 and sent the teams into the interval with the hosts having recovered from a period of sustained pressure.

The second half was less fluent. The condition of the pitch at Zimpeto contributed to misplaced passes and technical errors, while fouls interrupted the rhythm for both teams. Senegal continued to look for Jackson and Sima in the attacking areas, but the final delivery and combination play lacked the sharpness seen during the opening half. Sima did get into the area from the right and struck powerfully, although his effort went wide.

Mozambique also had moments to complete the turnaround. Catamo delivered a dangerous free-kick towards a central defender at the far post, but the header was off target. Another Mozambique attack ended when a cross from Catamo was just beyond Gildo. On the other side, Jackson was denied by Siluane after a pass from Sima, while a late Senegal effort was again kept out or diverted without producing a decisive second goal.

Discipline added to the interruptions. Mozambique received the first yellow card after a late challenge on Diao, while a Villarreal midfielder was booked for a late, uncontrolled action on Catamo. Langa was also cautioned after a display of frustration. Senegal’s defence had to recover from one error when a Lyon defender cut out a Mozambique counter-attack and made up for a mistake by his central-defensive teammate.

The 1-1 result gives Senegal an unbeaten start but not the victory they wanted from their opening qualifier. Jackson’s goal provided an encouraging first attacking contribution of the Vieira era, yet Catamo’s equaliser exposed the cost of losing concentration at the end of the first half. Mozambique showed resilience after conceding and remained competitive through the second period, even as the match lost its early intensity. Senegal now turn their attention to Ethiopia in their next Group J fixture, while Mozambique leave the opening round with a point from the meeting in Maputo.