Senegal and Mozambique name probable line-ups for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Senegal begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Mozambique on Friday, 25 September, with the Lions of Teranga aiming for a strong start and the Mambas looking to cause an upset during a difficult period.

Senegal are expected to have most of their squad available for the match. Their experienced attacking players will be relied upon to make the difference, particularly against a Mozambique side that has shown defensive weaknesses in recent outings.

Senegal’s probable team

Yehvann Diouf is expected to start in goal, with Nobel Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate and El Hadji Malick Diouf forming the defence.

Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr are listed as the likely midfield three.

The forward line is expected to include Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.

Senegal probable XI: Yehvann Diouf; Nobel Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr; Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr.

Mozambique’s probable team

Mozambique’s head coach will be tasked with finding a way to improve a defence that has struggled in recent matches. Limiting Senegal’s attacking threat is expected to be one of the central challenges for the Mambas.

Ernan Siluane is the predicted goalkeeper, while Diogo Calila, Edmilson Dove, Bruno Langa and Valter Nhacussa are set to make up the back four.

Geny Catamo, Ricardo Martins Guimaraes, Manuel Kambala and Alfonso Amade are the probable midfielders.

Faisal Bangal and Gianluca Lorenzoni are expected to lead the attack.

Mozambique probable XI: Ernan Siluane; Diogo Calila, Edmilson Dove, Bruno Langa, Valter Nhacussa; Geny Catamo, Ricardo Martins Guimaraes, Manuel Kambala, Alfonso Amade; Faisal Bangal, Gianluca Lorenzoni.

The fixture will be Senegal’s opening match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Senegal will look to establish early momentum, while Mozambique face the task of overcoming their recent defensive problems against one of the tournament’s more dangerous attacking sides.