Senegal draw in Vieira debut, Nigeria survive scare, but Cape Verde crash

Patrick Vieira's first game as Senegal coach ended in a 1-1 draw away to Mozambique as Africa Cup of Nations qualifying began on Friday. Nigeria edged Madagascar 2-1 thanks to two debutant goals, while Cape Verde lost 3-1 to Mali; elsewhere Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola and Morocco and Algeria won their openers.

By AI Newsroom· Reviewed by Pranav, Founder & Editor-in-ChiefPublished about 2 hours agoUpdated about 2 hours ago0 views

Senegal draw in Vieira debut, Nigeria survive scare, but Cape Verde crash

Why It Matters

These results kick off AFCON qualifying with several notable storylines: a high-profile coaching debut for Vieira amid Senegal's recent controversies, Nigeria relying on new faces to secure victory, and a heavy defeat for World Cup quarter-finalists Cape Verde. The outcomes also matter for group standings and momentum ahead of the next qualifying windows.

Key Facts

Senegal v Mozambique: 1-1 draw in Maputo (matchday one of Group J), Friday
Senegal coach debut: Patrick Vieira, 50, first game in charge
Goal scorers (Senegal): Nicolas Jackson (32') for Senegal; Geny Catamo (first-half added time) for Mozambique
Venue change: Match originally scheduled in Senegal moved to Maputo due to stadium standards
Senegal absences: Edouard Mendy retired; Sadio Mane injured; Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye on bench (unused)

Patrick Vieira's tenure as Senegal coach began with a 1-1 draw in Maputo after the Group J fixture, originally due to be played in Senegal, was relocated because no stadium in the country currently meets international standards. Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson gave Senegal the lead in the 32nd minute with a close-range finish, but Sporting's Geny Catamo struck from outside the box in first-half added time to level. Senegal controlled much of the second half but could not break down a compact Mozambican defence.

Vieira, 50, the former France midfielder, inherits a side in transition after a turbulent year that included being stripped of the AFCON title and an underwhelming World Cup showing. The squad that faced Mozambique was missing recently retired goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and injured forward Sadio Mane; key veterans Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye began the match on the bench.

Nigeria, playing at home in Uyo, came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1. Madagascar took an early lead through Ehsan Kari in the 16th minute, but Saudi-based George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half added time on his international debut. Substitute Moses Usor, who plays for LASK in Austria, scored the 65th-minute winner, giving the Super Eagles a narrow opening-day victory despite the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen.

Cape Verde, who drew plaudits at the recent World Cup, suffered a 3-1 loss away to Mali in Bamako in front of about 50,000 fans. Mali opened within five minutes through Martial Tia, Cape Verde levelled via a Sidny Cabral free-kick deflection, but Dorgeles Nene restored Mali's lead before a late third was awarded after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha lost the ball outside his area and Nene converted into an empty net. Mali dominated the fixture throughout.

Other opening results included Egypt being held 0-0 at home by Angola, while Morocco and Algeria recorded comfortable wins against Gabon and Zambia respectively. Separately, Senegal has an ongoing appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over CAF's decision to award Morocco a 3-0 AFCON final victory; that hearing is scheduled for October 8.