The Group J encounter at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto saw Senegal take the lead before the hosts struck back just before half-time to earn a valuable point.
Senegal, one of the strongest sides on the continent and recent AFCON contenders, dominated possession for long periods and created the clearer chances early on. Their pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring, finishing a well-worked move to give the visitors a deserved advantage.
Mozambique refused to fold. Just before the interval, Sporting Lisbon winger Geny Catamo produced a moment of quality to equalise in first-half stoppage time (45+2’). The goal lifted the home crowd and shifted the momentum heading into the break.
After the restart, Senegal continued to control large spells of the match and pushed for a winner, but Mozambique defended with organisation and discipline. The hosts limited clear-cut opportunities and threatened on the counter-attack, forcing Senegal to remain cautious.
Both teams made changes in the second half as they sought a decisive goal, yet the score remained level until the final whistle. The result leaves both sides with one point from their opening fixture in Group J.
For Mozambique, the draw represents a strong statement against one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses. Senegal, meanwhile, will view the result as two points dropped and will look to respond in their next qualifier.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. With the qualifying campaign only just beginning, both Mozambique and Senegal remain firmly in the hunt for a place at the tournament.
Attention now turns to the next round of fixtures as Group J continues to take shape.