Vieira's Senegal Debut Ends in 1-1 Draw

Patrick Vieira’s managerial debut with Senegal ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Mozambique on Friday in Maputo during their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Striker Nicholas Jackson capitalised on a defensive error to put Senegal ahead in the 32nd minute, but Mozambique’s Geny Catamo equalised with a long-range strike in first-half stoppage time.

A revamped Senegal side struggled to secure victory after the international retirements of Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, along with an injury to star forward Sadio Mane.

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Elsewhere in Group J, Sudan secured a late 1-0 victory over neighbouring Ethiopia in Juba, South Sudan, thanks to an 86th-minute goal from Mohammed Mamon. Ongoing security concerns and civil war forced Sudan to host the match on neutral ground.

Vieira's Senegal debut ends in a 1-1 draw (News Central TV) — Vieira’s Senegal debut ends in a 1-1 draw. Credit: Reuters

In Group L, Guinea-Bissau claimed a comfortable 2-0 road victory against Tanzania in Zanzibar City, with Franculino Dju and Mame Balde scoring in each half.

Although Tanzania co-hosts next June’s tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda, all three nations participate in the qualifiers, leaving only one additional qualification spot open in their respective groups.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.