AFCON 2027: Senegal-Mozambique qualifier moved to Maputo due to stadium problems

Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Mozambique will no longer be played in Dakar because the country does not currently have a suitable stadium available to host the fixture.

The Group C match, originally expected to take place in the Senegalese capital, has been moved to Maputo, Mozambique, and will be played on 25 September.

The decision comes after Senegal were unable to secure an approved venue for the home fixture.

The Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, the country’s main modern football venue, is unavailable because it is being used in connection with the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Senegal’s other major stadium, the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, is also unavailable for the match because its playing surface is not considered to be in suitable condition.

As a result, the fixture will now be staged in Mozambique, meaning Senegal will effectively lose home advantage for the encounter.

The change presents an unusual situation for Senegal, who are among Africa’s leading football nations and will be expected to challenge strongly for qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Playing in Maputo could also provide Mozambique with a significant advantage as they prepare to face the Teranga Lions on home soil.

The fixture is particularly important as both nations begin their campaign to secure a place at the tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Senegal will be keen to make a positive start to their qualifying campaign despite the disruption caused by the change of venue.

The lack of an available stadium in Dakar highlights the scheduling and infrastructure challenges facing the Senegalese football authorities, with the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium’s unavailability coinciding with preparations for the Youth Olympic Games.

For Mozambique, the decision means they will now have the opportunity to host Senegal in front of their own supporters, rather than travelling to Dakar for the fixture.

The match is scheduled for 25 September in Maputo, with the venue change expected to add another layer of intrigue to one of the early fixtures in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.