Vieira’s Senegal Debut Ends in Draw as Nigeria and Mali Win AFCON Qualifiers
Patrick Vieira began his tenure as Senegal coach with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique, while Nigeria and Mali recorded victories in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying openers.
Patrick Vieira’s first match as Senegal coach ended with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique as the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign began.
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Nigeria recovered from conceding first to defeat Madagascar 2-1, while Mali overcame Cape Verde 3-1 in Bamako. Egypt were held to a goalless draw by Angola, and Morocco and Algeria also opened their campaigns with victories against Gabon and Zambia respectively.
Senegal held in Maputo
Senegal took the lead against Mozambique in the 32nd minute when Nicolas Jackson finished from close range. Mozambique responded in first-half added time, with Geny Catamo finding the net with a strike from outside the penalty area.
Senegal controlled much of the second half and enjoyed substantial possession, but Vieira’s side could not break through the Mozambique defence again.
The Group J fixture was played in Maputo after being moved from Senegal because no stadium in the country currently meets international standards.
The match marked the start of Vieira’s tenure following the departure of Pape Thiaw. The former France international was born in Dakar and had coaching experience with clubs in the United States, France, England and Italy before taking charge of Senegal.
Senegal were without recently retired goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and injured forward Sadio Mane. Kalilou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye began the match on the bench.
Nigeria rally against Madagascar
Madagascar struck first in Uyo when Ehsan Kari scored after 16 minutes. Nigeria levelled in first-half added time through George Ilenikhena.
Substitute Moses Usor then completed Nigeria’s comeback in the 65th minute, securing a 2-1 victory for the hosts. Nigeria were without injured striker Victor Osimhen.
The result gave Nigeria a winning start after the team had been described as a surprise non-qualifier for the previous two World Cups.
Mali punish Cape Verde errors
Mali went ahead inside five minutes against Cape Verde through Martial Tia. Cape Verde equalized when a Sidny Cabral free-kick was deflected into the goal.
Dorgeles Nene restored Mali’s advantage before halftime and later added a third after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha lost possession outside his area. Nene struck the loose ball into an unguarded net.
The match was played before a reported crowd of 50,000 in Bamako. Cape Verde had previously held Spain and taken Argentina to extra time before losing, according to the source, but could not avoid defeat against Mali.
Elsewhere, Egypt drew 0-0 at home with Angola. Morocco defeated Gabon and Algeria beat Zambia, although the scores of those two matches were not provided.
Senegal’s result came as the team continues a period of transition. The African confederation CAF later awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory after Senegal had initially won the previous AFCON final 1-0 after extra time. Senegal’s appeal against that decision is scheduled to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8.
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