Senegal vs Mozambique: AFCON Qualifier Showdown!

Senegal is set to face Mozambique at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto on Friday, marking the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Lions de la Teranga, champions in 2021, have a strong history in the tournament, having qualified for the last six editions.

Os Mambas have reached the group stage in the past two AFCON editions. This encounter sees Senegal playing for the first time since their 2026 FIFA World Cup participation, where they reached the round of 32. Mozambique, on the other hand, is on a four-game losing streak.

Head-to-head statistics favor Senegal, with an unbeaten record in nine previous meetings against Mozambique. They secured victories in both home and away games during their last AFCON qualifier clash in 2023.

Senegal's recent form has seen them win only one of their last six games across all competitions. However, their AFCON qualifier record remains formidable, boasting an unbeaten streak of 32 matches. New manager Patrick Vieira will be at the helm for his first game, though notably without Sadio Mané, Antoine Mendy, and Habib Diarra due to unavailability and injuries.

Mozambique has struggled offensively, failing to score in six of their nine past meetings with Senegal. Their current losing streak and lack of scoring touch present a significant challenge against the historically strong Lions de la Teranga.