Senegal draws in Vieira’s debut, Nigeria survives scare against Madagascar

File photo: Patrick Vieira has made his first foray into international management with Senegal. | Photo Credit: AP

Patrick Vieira’s first game in charge of Senegal ended in a 1-1 draw with Mozambique while Nigeria survived a scare against Madagascar in the latest round of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Senegal took the lead midway through the first half through a goal from Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson from close range, but was pegged back when Geny Catamo from Portuguese giants Sporting levelled in first-half added time, firing a shot from outside the box through a crowded goalmouth into the far corner of the net.

Nigeria — which has not qualified for the last two World Cups — fell behind Ehsan Kari scored after 16 minutes in Uyo. Without injured striker Victor Osimhen, it turned to debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Uhor to help it turn things around.

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Meanwhile, FIFA World Cup 2026 darling Cape Verde suffered a 1-3 defeat to Mali, with star goalkeeper Vozinha making an error for the third goal.

Mali went ahead early through a goal from Martial Tia, but a deflected free-kick from Sidney Cabral levelled the tie. Dorgeles Nene restored Mali’s lead before capitalising on Vozinha’s failed chest control to seal the win.

Elsewhere, Egypt was held 0-0 at home by Angola while Morocco and Algeria won comfortably against Gabon and Zambia respectively.

(With inputs from AFP)

Published on Sep 26, 2026

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