Mozambique v Senegal: Patrick Vieira begins 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign

Senegal begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Mozambique in Maputo on Friday, with Patrick Vieira taking charge of the Lions for the first time.

The match was originally due to be played in Senegal but has been moved to the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto because the Stade Abdoulaye Wade is unavailable ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The two federations agreed to reverse the order of the two fixtures, meaning Senegal will start the qualifying process away from home.

Mozambique v Senegal will take place on Friday, 25 September 2026, at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 local time and 13:00 GMT, which is 15:00 in France and 14:00 in Senegal.

In France, the game will be shown on beIN Sports Max 4 and will also be available to stream through the broadcaster’s platforms. RTS will broadcast the match in Senegal, while Canal+ will show it elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. beIN Sports Mena will provide coverage in North Africa.

Vieira takes charge of Senegal

The main focus will be on Vieira, who was appointed in August and officially presented a month later. The former France international is now set to lead his country of birth for the first time.

He takes over a Senegal side that endured a disappointing 2026 World Cup, exiting at the round-of-32 stage after losing three of their four matches. Vieira has made several changes as he begins a new era.

Sadio Mane is missing because of a physical problem, while Edouard Mendy has retired from international football. Krepin Diatta was also left out after being without a club when the squad was selected.

Vieira can still call on experienced players including Kalidou Koulibaly, who may have a reduced role, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, Lamine Camara, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson.

The squad also includes several new faces, notably Malang Sarr, Sadibou Sane and Pape Moussa Fall.

Mozambique aiming to build on home advantage

Mozambique will begin the qualifiers under Chiquinho Conde, who has selected a 24-man squad. Bruno Wilson, Candido Mathe and Jose Guirrugo are the three newcomers.

The Mambas will play their opening two matches in Maputo. After hosting Senegal, they will welcome Sudan on 29 September.

Senegal appear stronger on paper, but the trip represents an early opportunity to assess Vieira’s influence following a disappointing World Cup and the arrival of a new manager.

The Lions have previously dominated Mozambique in qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, winning 5-1 in Dakar before claiming a 1-0 victory in Maputo.