Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique on Friday as Patrick Vieira began his tenure as coach with a stalemate in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener.
Aston Villa forward, Nicolas Jackson put Senegal ahead in the 32nd minute, finishing from close range after connecting with a low cross.
Mozambique responded in first-half stoppage time when Sporting Lisbon winger Geny Catamo fired from outside the box, with his effort finding the far corner through a crowded penalty area.
Senegal controlled much of the second half but were unable to find a breakthrough against a well-organised Mozambique defence, leaving Vieira with a point from his first competitive game in charge.
The Group J encounter, initially scheduled to be played in Senegal, was moved to Maputo because no stadium in the West African country currently meets the required international standards.
Vieira, a former France international and Arsenal midfielder, took over from Pape Thiaw as Senegal look to rebuild following a turbulent period.
Senegal had also been without recently retired goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and injured forward Sadio Mane for the encounter.
Vieira will now look to secure his first victory when Senegal continue their AFCON qualifying campaign.
