Vieira begins Senegal tenure with draw as Nigeria edge Madagascar

Patrick Vieira’s first match as Senegal coach ended in a 1-1 draw against Mozambique on Friday, while Nigeria recovered from an early setback to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Senegal took the lead in Maputo after 32 minutes when Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson converted a low cross from close range. Mozambique equalised in first-half added time through Geny Catamo, whose long-range effort travelled through a crowded penalty area before finding the far corner.

Senegal controlled much of the second half but could not break through a well-organised Mozambican defence. The Group J fixture was moved from Senegal to Maputo because no stadium in Senegal currently meets international standards. The match marked Vieira’s first game in charge after he succeeded Pape Thiaw.

The former France international and Arsenal midfielder has also coached clubs in the United States, France, England and Italy. He left Genoa last November after a winless run that left the team bottom of Serie A. Senegal were without recently retired goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and injured forward Sadio Mane.

The team is also appealing a decision connected to the previous AFCON final, in which Morocco were awarded a 3-0 victory after Senegal had initially won 1-0 after extra time. The appeal is due to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8. Nigeria, meanwhile, fell behind against Madagascar in Uyo when Ehsan Kari scored after 16 minutes.

The Super Eagles were without injured striker Victor Osimhen but turned the match around through two players making their international debuts. Saudi Arabia-based forward George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half added time, before substitute Moses Usor, who plays for Austrian champions LASK, scored the winner in the 65th minute.