Moussa Niakhate urges Senegal to make a strong start in Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying

Moussa Niakhate says Senegal will approach their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign with full seriousness as they prepare to face Mozambique on the opening matchday.

The defender, who plays for Olympique Lyonnais, has fond memories of Mozambique, having made his Senegal debut against them. With the Lions of Teranga beginning a new era, Niakhate believes victory is important both to launch the qualifying campaign positively and to give the national team a strong start under its new phase.

“My story with Senegal began against Mozambique, a team I know and respect greatly,” Niakhate said at a pre-match news conference. “We expect a difficult match, but we will take it very seriously. We must impose our intentions from the start, with focus and concentration, so that we can begin this new era well.”