Senegal’s Africa Cup qualifying campaign opens with Mozambique trip

Senegal begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Mozambique on Friday, with the match moved from Dakar to Maputo.

The game will be played at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto and will kick off at 13:00 GMT on 25 September 2026.

It will be broadcast by Canal+ Afrique, SuperSport, RTS in Senegal, TVM in Mozambique and beIN Sport.

Senegal have a strong record against Mozambique, having avoided defeat in all seven of their official meetings. The Lions have won six of those matches, with the other ending in a draw.

Senegal have recorded six victories in 12 matches in 2026. They followed a 5-0 win against Iraq with a 3-2 defeat by Belgium, however, and will need to improve defensively as they start their qualifying campaign.

Mozambique arrive in more difficult form. The Mambas have not won any of their three matches this year and have lost their past two games without scoring.

That record leaves Senegal as the clear favourites on paper, with their experience and previous results against Mozambique giving them the advantage. However, the unusual setting in Maputo means they will need to remain cautious as they seek a winning start.

Africafoot’s prediction is a 2-1 victory for Senegal.

The betting company 1xbet lists Senegal at 1.14 to win, with a draw priced at 6.00 and a Mozambique victory at 14.00.