AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Senegal held by Mozambique

Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying match in Group J, after the hosts struck just before half-time to cancel out Nicolas Jackson’s early goal

The visitors made a positive start and took the lead in the 32nd minute. Jackson finished from Abdallah Sima’s assist, rewarding Senegal’s early pressure and putting Patrick Vieira’s side on course for an opening victory.

Mozambique responded with resilience and found a crucial equaliser in first-half stoppage time. Geny Catamo converted after a pass from Witiness Quembo, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1. Catamo was later named player of the match.

Both sides made changes in the second half as they searched for a winner. Senegal introduced Ibrahim Mbaye, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Boulaye Dia, while Mozambique refreshed its attack through Fernando Chamboco, Chamito Alfandega and Alcídio Raice. Neither team could find a decisive second goal.

Sudan leads Group J with three points; Mozambique is in second place, followed by Senegal. Ethiopia is bottom with no points.

Senegal will play Ethiopia on September 29 in Group J. Mozambique will take on Sudan on the same day.