“Everyone wants to beat us” – Malick Diouf backs Senegal to bounce back from Mozambique draw

Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf has backed the Lions of Teranga to bounce back from their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying draw against Mozambique, insisting the team remains confident despite dropping points in Maputo.

Senegal began their qualification campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique at the Zimpeto National Stadium on Friday, September 25, with Patrick Vieira’s side forced to settle for a point away from home.

Although Senegal travelled to Mozambique hoping to make a winning start, Diouf believes the result must be viewed in the context of the difficulties associated with playing away from home in African football.

The defender also pointed to the expectations surrounding Senegal, explaining that their status means opponents are highly motivated whenever they face the Lions of Teranga.

“I think the team spirit is good. In Africa, away matches aren’t easy, especially as Senegal are the team to beat. Everyone wants to beat us,” Diouf said.

The Senegalese international believes avoiding defeat was important in their opening fixture and insists the team can take encouragement from securing a point on the road.

“The main thing is not to lose. This draw isn’t a bad result, but we must try to stay focused for the next match, which will also be a tough one, because in Africa, every match is a tough one,” he added.

The result leaves Senegal with work to do as they prepare for their second qualifying fixture, with the Lions of Teranga set to face Ethiopia on September 29.

Vieira’s side will be aiming to secure their first victory of the campaign and strengthen their position in the race for qualification for the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

For Diouf, the immediate priority is to maintain the team’s positive spirit while improving on their opening performance.

Senegal will therefore enter the Ethiopia clash looking to turn their point in Maputo into a winning result and make an early statement in their qualification campaign.

With every match expected to present a different challenge, Diouf and his teammates will be hoping to respond positively and demonstrate why Senegal remain one of the sides attracting significant attention from opponents across the continent.