Mozambique and Senegal were level at 1-1 in the second half of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo.
The match remained tied in the 82nd minute, leaving Group J finely balanced as both teams searched for a winning start to the qualification campaign.
Table of Contents
Mozambique Senegal score remains level
Senegal took the lead through Nicolas Jackson in the 32nd minute, giving the visitors an early advantage in a match involving two teams with very different recent expectations.
Mozambique responded shortly before half-time when Geny Catamo scored in stoppage time at the end of the first half.
His equalizer sent the teams into the interval level and gave the home side renewed momentum.
The 1-1 scoreline was still intact late in the second half, according to live match updates, with neither side able to establish control of the contest.
Why the result matters in Group J
The fixture is the opening Group J match for both nations in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The group also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
CAF’s published schedule places the opening qualifying matches between September 24 and October 6, 2026.
Mozambique’s next Group J fixture is scheduled against Sudan on September 29, while Senegal is due to face Ethiopia on the same date.
A victory would give either side an immediate advantage before the second round of matches.
A draw, meanwhile, would leave the group open after the first round of fixtures.
Senegal begin a new coaching era
The match is one of the first competitive assignments for Senegal under head coach Patrick Vieira.
The former France international was appointed to lead the national team ahead of the qualifying campaign.
Senegal entered the contest as the higher-ranked side and carried greater recent international experience, but Mozambique’s home advantage and attacking response prevented the visitors from turning that edge into a decisive lead.
Mozambique also arrived with confidence from reaching the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
The team recorded its first AFCON victory during that tournament, defeating Gabon 3-2 in the group stage.
What comes next
The final result will determine how both teams begin the Group J standings, with the remaining minutes potentially changing the early qualification picture.
Senegal’s next assignment is against Ethiopia on September 29.
Mozambique is scheduled to host Sudan on the same day as the second round of Group J matches begins.
Both teams will be seeking three points rather than relying on the final group standings to be decided by goal difference later in the campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mozambique vs Senegal score?
Mozambique and Senegal were level 1-1 in the second half, with the match still live in Maputo.
Who scored for Senegal against Mozambique?
Nicolas Jackson scored Senegal’s goal in the 32nd minute.
Who scored for Mozambique?
Geny Catamo equalized for Mozambique in first-half stoppage time.
Where is Mozambique vs Senegal being played?
The match is being played at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique.
What group is Mozambique vs Senegal in?
The match is part of Group J in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, alongside Sudan and Ethiopia.
Fact-Checked: The fixture details were checked against CAF’s published qualifying schedule and official broadcaster information, while the live score and goal times were checked against current match updates. ([cafonline.com](https://www.cafonline.com/afcon2025/news/totalenergies-caf-afcon-pamoja-2027-md-1-2-qualifiers-fixtures-kick-off-times-and-venues/?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: This is a live match report and the score, match events and standings may change before the final whistle.