Former France star Patrick Vieira made his debut as Senegal coach with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique. The match, originally scheduled for Senegal, was moved to Maputo due to stadium issues in the west African nation. Vieira, 50, was a midfielder in the French teams that won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship. He has had less success as a coach with clubs in the US, France, England, and Italy. Senegal took the lead through Nicolas Jackson but Geny Catamo equalized for Mozambique in first-half added time.
Nigeria survived a scare to edge Madagascar 2-1 in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The Super Eagles, lacking injured star striker Victor Osimhen, fell behind when Ehsan Kari scored for Madagascar after 16 minutes. However, two international debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, scored the goals for Nigeria. Ilenikhena equalized in first-half added time, and Usor snatched the 65th-minute winner. The win marked a significant result for Nigeria, who were non-qualifiers for the past two World Cups.
Cape Verde, who impressed by holding eventual 2026 World Cup winners Spain and taking Argentina to extra time, crashed 3-1 away to Mali. The Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha gifted Mali their third goal in the defeat. Mali dominated the match from start to finish, with Martial Tia scoring within five minutes. Cape Verde levelled when a Sidny Cabral free-kick was deflected into the net, but Mali regained the lead through Dorgeles Nene before half-time.
Other results in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying saw Egypt held 0-0 at home by Angola, while Morocco and Algeria won comfortably against Gabon and Zambia respectively. The qualifiers continue, with teams vying for a spot in the tournament. Senegal, under new coach Vieira, will look to build on their debut draw against Mozambique.
Vieira has inherited a Senegal team in transition, having been stripped of the AFCON title and flopping at the World Cup. The team walked off the pitch to protest a penalty awarded in the AFCON final to hosts Morocco. An appeal against the decision to award Morocco a 3-0 victory will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8.
Senegal were without recently retired goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and injured striker Sadio Mane against Mozambique. Fellow stalwarts Kalilou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye were on the bench. The team had plenty of second-half possession but could not find a way past a well-organised Mozambican defence.
The results in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying highlight the challenges faced by teams in the competition. Key points include: - Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique in Patrick Vieira's debut match as coach. - Nigeria edged Madagascar 2-1, with two international debutants scoring the goals. - Cape Verde lost 3-1 to Mali, with goalkeeper Vozinha gifting Mali their third goal.
