Vieira’s Senegal Hapless in Draw; Nigeria Escapes Scare, Cape Verde Tumble

Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira began his tenure as Senegal head coach with a goalless point on the road, settling for a 1-1 draw against Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday.

Nigeria, the runners-up at the last AFCON, also faced jeopardy but ultimately held off Madagascar 2-1. In a separate Group J clash, Cape Verde suffered a demoralizing 3-1 defeat away to Mali, compounding a difficult period for the team that stunned Spain and Argentina earlier in the year.

In Maputo, where the match was relocated due to stadium standards in Senegal, Nicolas Jackson gave the visitors an early lead in the 32nd minute, tapping in from close range. However, Geny Catamo rescued a point for the hosts just before halftime, firing a low drive from outside the box through a crowded penalty area into the far corner.

The result leaves Vieira, 50, searching for momentum after a managerial career marked by mixed results, including a winless exit from Genoa last November. He inherits a squad in flux following their dramatic AFCON title stripping and early World Cup exit.

Nigeria nearly fell to an upset as Madagascar took a 16th-minute lead through Ehsan Kari. Playing without injured star Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles relied on two debutants for salvation: George Ilenikhena equalized in first-half stoppage time, and substitute Moses Usor secured the winner in the 65th minute.

Meanwhile, in Bamako, Mali dominated Cape Verde despite the absence of their star goalkeeper Vozinha, who blundered to gift Mali their third goal. Martial Tia opened the scoring for Mali within five minutes, and although Sidny Cabral leveled for Cape Verde, Dorgeles Nene and a late strike ensured a comprehensive three points for the hosts.

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Egypt were held to a 0-0 draw by Angola, while Morocco and Algeria cruised past Gabon and Zambia, respectively.