Shock as lack of stadia forces African champions Senegal to play AFCON qualifier in exile
Senegal were scheduled to host Mozambique in their Group J opener on Friday, September 25, in Dakar. However, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed that the fixture will now be played in Maputo, Mozambique, on the same date.
African champions Senegal have been forced to surrender home advantage for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier after a shortage of suitable stadiums in Dakar left the Teranga Lions with nowhere to play.
Senegal were scheduled to host Mozambique in their Group J opener on Friday, September 25, in Dakar.
However, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed that the fixture will now be played in Maputo, Mozambique, on the same date.
The unprecedented switch means Sadio Mané and his teammates will begin their qualification campaign on their opponents’ home turf, handing Mozambique a significant advantage in a fixture that was originally expected to be played in Senegal.
The FSF said the decision was forced by the unavailability of its two main stadiums in the capital.
The Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, the Lions’ principal home venue, will be occupied by the opening ceremony of the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.
At the same time, the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium is undergoing renovation and its playing surface is reportedly not yet in suitable condition to host an international fixture of such importance.
With neither venue available, the FSF requested Mozambique to host the Group J encounter and subsequently notified the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of the change.
The development has sparked questions over the federation’s planning, with critics accusing the FSF of failing to secure an alternative venue well in advance.
The late change is particularly costly for Senegal because Mozambique will now effectively enjoy home advantage twice in the qualification campaign when the two sides meet in Maputo.
For the reigning African champions, the situation represents an embarrassing start to their 2027 AFCON campaign, with the continental giants now required to begin their journey to the tournament away from home.
The Teranga Lions will be hoping their quality can overcome the unusual circumstances and prevent Mozambique from turning the unexpected home advantage into a major early setback.
