The Senegal national team, led by new coach Patrick Vieira, begins their journey to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers against Mozambique on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Maputo. This match marks the start of a new era for the Lions, who have been a dominant force in African football since 2019, with three consecutive final appearances, including two wins. Vieira, the 1998 World Cup champion, faces a challenging task in maintaining the team's top position.
Vieira will be without several key players, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has announced his international retirement, and star forward Sadio Mane, who is injured. Additionally, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr are suspended for two matches following the 2025 CAN final against Morocco. Despite these absences, Vieira has called up new players, such as Lamine Sy, Sadibou Sané, Demba Thiam, Mamour Ndiaye, and Issa Soumaré, to bring fresh energy to the team.
The team's captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, along with Idrissa Gana Guèye and Moussa Niakhaté, remains a core part of the squad. The new coach must find the right formula to overcome the absences and maintain the team's competitive edge. In goal, Yehvann Diouf and Mory Diaw are competing for the starting position. Lamine Sy is likely to make his debut on the right flank, while Bara Sapoko Ndiaye may also get playing time in midfield.
The match against Mozambique is crucial, as Senegal aims to assert their dominance and start the qualifiers on a positive note. The Mambas, led by coach Chiquinho Condé, have a squad of 25 players, including seven based in Europe, such as Geny Catamo from Sporting Lisbon. Although Senegal has a good record against Mozambique, having won their last three encounters, Vieira's team must be cautious and not underestimate their opponents.
Senegal's recent performances have been impressive, with the team winning several titles, including the 2025 CAN. However, the absence of key players and the introduction of new ones may affect the team's dynamics. Vieira's tactics and ability to adapt to the situation will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
A win against Mozambique would give Senegal a strong start in the qualifiers and provide momentum for their next match against Ethiopia on September 29. The team's performance will be closely watched, as fans and critics assess Vieira's impact and the team's chances of success in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.
The match between Senegal and Mozambique kicks off at 1 pm local time on Friday, September 25. The outcome will have significant implications for both teams' chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- Senegal starts CAN 2027 qualifiers against Mozambique without key players.
