Senegal held by Mozambique as Patrick Vieira era begins with 1-1 draw

Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique in Patrick Vieira’s first match as head coach of the Lions of Teranga, leaving them with a point from their opening CAN 2027 qualifier in Maputo on Friday.

Nicolas Jackson put Senegal ahead in the 32nd minute at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto, but Geny Catamo equalised in first-half stoppage time, scoring in the 45th+2 minute.

The result offered an encouraging first half but left Senegal with work to do before Tuesday’s second Group J match against Ethiopia.

Vieira made an immediate statement with his team selection, using a 4-2-2-2 formation rather than the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 systems traditionally preferred by his predecessor, Pape Thiaw.

The former France midfielder also made clear his intention to lower the average age of the squad. Moussa Niakhate was the only player aged 30 or under in the starting XI, which had an average age of 22.36.

Niakhate was appointed captain and, alongside Pape Gueye, was one of only two players retained from the side that started the round-of-16 match against Belgium. As expected, 35-year-old defender Kalidou Koulibaly remained on the bench and was assigned a new role within the team.

The match also marked the international debuts of three players. Lamine Sy, a 24-year-old right-back from Auxerre, and 22-year-old central defender Sadibou Sane of Monaco both started. The 2.01m-tall Pape Moussa Fall, a 22-year-old striker from Metz, came on for the final five minutes.

Senegal looked the stronger side before half-time and Jackson’s goal rewarded an impressive opening spell. However, their momentum was checked by Mozambique’s equaliser and they were less effective after the interval. The condition of the pitch and the players’ fatigue also affected the game.

Vieira’s substitutions failed to produce the extra attacking threat needed to find a winner. Ibrahim Mbaye, Idrissa Gueye, Boulaye Dia and M. Fall replaced P. Sarr, A. Diao, Jackson and P. Gueye respectively.

Lamine Camara endured a difficult evening. His mistake led to the free-kick that was deflected for a corner before Catamo scored from the resulting phase.

Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan was also decisive. He made several important saves, including one in the 39th minute to deny Matar Sarr, and helped prevent Senegal from taking all three points.

Senegal are third in Group J, level on points with Mozambique but two points behind leaders Sudan, who defeated Ethiopia. They will need to improve their performance when they face Ethiopia on Tuesday in the second round of matches.