Patrick Vieira begins life as Senegal coach as his side takes on Mozambique in their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday evening.
The game is the opening fixture in Group J, with Sudan and Ethiopia making up the other two teams.
Vieira has replaced Pape Thiaw, who guided Senegal to the 2025 AFCON title and the 2026 World Cup before leaving the position following their elimination by Belgium in the World Cup last 32.
Mozambique, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their historic performance at the 2025 AFCON, where they reached the knockout stage for the first time.
The Mambas also have the advantage of playing both of their opening qualifiers at home. Their federation confirmed that the Senegal game and their subsequent meeting with Sudan will both be played at Zimpeto Stadium.
The visitors have lost their last four matches, including defeats against Cameroon and Nigeria at AFCON 2025 and subsequent friendly losses to Oman and Indonesia.
Can they bounce back with victory here or will Senegal make light work to take early command of the Group.
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What time does Senegal vs Mozambique start?
The match kicks off at 4PM E.A.T at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo
Senegal vs Mozambique team news
Veteran Sadio Mane was left out of the squad, but Vieira has made clear that the omission is related to a physical issue rather than international retirement.
Vieira has retained several experienced figures, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr.
Nicolas Jackson is expected to play an important role, with Ismaila Sarr providing another major threat from wide areas, while Iliman Ndiaye can operate between midfield and attack.
Lamine Camara is also an important player because of his ability to carry the ball forward and contribute from midfield.
The Mozambique side features three first time call-ups with Bruno Wilson, Cândido Mathe José Guirrugo all being selected.
Established internationals such as Catamo, Dove, Bruno Langa and Ratifo will all feature and play important roles for their sides.
Senegal vs Mozambique head-to-head and current form
The historical record strongly favours Senegal, with the two countries meeting nine times, and Senegal winning seven and drawing two.
Mozambique have never defeated Senegal in the fixture.
Even more impressively for the Lions, they have won six of the last seven meetings in 90 minutes, with the other encounter ending in a draw before Senegal eventually prevailed on penalties.
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Current form:
Senegal – LWLLD
Mozambique – LLLLW
Senegal vs Mozambique previous games
- Mozambique 0-1 Senegal (March 28, 2023)
- Senegal 5-1 Mozambique (March 24, 2023)
- Mozambique 1 (2) – 1 (4) Senegal (July 17, 2022)
- Senegal 1-0 Mozambique (July 9, 2021)
- Senegal 6-1 Mozambique (January 30, 1993)
Senegal vs Mozambique prediction
Senegal’s squad depth, experience and outstanding AFCON qualifying record make them the more established side.
Even with the absence of Mané and the arrival of a new coach, Vieira has inherited a group containing numerous experienced internationals.
The unusual home advantage for Mozambique makes this more complicated, but Senegal have historically performed extremely well against the Mambas.
Prediction – Senegal to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!