Patrick Vieira stumbles in first match as Senegal head coach

Patrick Vieira’s first match as Senegal head coach ended in a 1-1 draw against Mozambique in Maputo as the Teranga Lions began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a point.

Nicolas Jackson gave Senegal the lead around the half-hour mark, but Mozambique responded through Geny Catamo in first-half stoppage time to earn a share of the points.

The result means Vieira must wait for his first victory since taking charge of the Senegalese national team.

Catamo cancels out Jackson opener

Senegal took control of the match when Jackson found the net around the 30-minute mark to put the visitors ahead.

Mozambique refused to surrender and levelled shortly before half-time through Sporting CP winger Catamo.

The Mozambique forward fired a bouncing effort through a crowded penalty area after a short corner, with Senegal goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf unable to keep it out.

The hosts held on in the second half to secure a valuable point against a Senegal side regarded as one of the favourites in the group.

Vieira begins Senegal rebuild

Vieira was born in Senegal but moved to France with his mother as a child before going on to become a key member of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup.

The former Arsenal captain has now returned to his country of birth to lead the national team following the dismissal of Pape Bouna Thiaw after Senegal’s disappointing World Cup campaign.

Reflecting on his return to Senegal as an adult, Vieira said: “I have lots of flashes, such as the place where I used to play football with a tennis ball,”

The former France international will now turn his attention to Senegal’s second AFCON 2027 qualifier against Ethiopia on Tuesday, September 29, when he will be seeking his first win in charge.