Senegal v Mozambique: Mohamed Sarr anticipates new era under Patrick Vieira

Senegal will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Mozambique at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo on Friday, with Mohamed Adama Sarr expecting a fresh sense of energy from Patrick Vieira’s first squad.

The match was originally scheduled to take place in Dakar, but the two federations agreed to reverse the order of the fixtures. Senegal’s Me Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio is currently being used in preparations for the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

As a result, Mozambique will host the opening meeting at 13:00 GMT. The return fixture is due to be played in Senegal in March 2027.

The game marks Vieira’s first match as Senegal head coach and the start of a new phase for the Lions. Sarr, speaking exclusively to Africafoot, said he was looking forward to seeing a different dynamic within the national team, reflecting the expectations of Senegalese supporters.

Vieira’s initial selection comes without several established players. Sadio Mane and Krepin Diatta are not included, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has retired from international football.

Sarr assessed the significance of the changes as Senegal prepare to face Mozambique in their opening qualifier. The fixture will provide Vieira with his first opportunity to put his initial choices into practice in a competitive match, with the squad containing neither some of the team’s long-standing figures nor the retired Mendy.

Despite the changes, Senegal have a strong record against Mozambique. The Lions have never lost in seven official meetings between the countries, recording six victories and one draw.

That unbeaten record gives Senegal the statistical advantage ahead of Friday’s encounter, although the match will be Vieira’s first in charge and the opening test of the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The two nations have also agreed the revised schedule beyond the first game. Mozambique’s home fixture will now come first, while Senegal will have home advantage when the teams meet again in March 2027.

According to the betting odds cited in the report, Senegal are priced at 1.14 to win. A draw is listed at 6.00, while Mozambique are given odds of 14.00.