AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Senegal Secure Spot With 1-0 Win Over Mozambique

Senegal has become the third team to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Mozambique 1-0 at the Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo.

Boulaye Dia's goal in the first half made the difference between the two nations on matchday 4 as Aliou Cisse's side made it four wins from four in Group L, going eight points clear of the Mambas.

The reigning AFCON champions dominated the possession stakes in the first half and created more chances while restricting the hosts to just two of their own.

Abidjan here we come | @didierdrogba we see you | ?:/ @loeildulion_ #football #senegal pic.twitter.com/rJ6jGRsqA4

— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) March 28, 2023

Mozambique was hoping to put up a better performance on home soil after suffering a 5-1 defeat in the away leg four days ago. On the other hand, the Lions of Teranga were determined to maintain their 100% record in qualifying.

The hosts tested Alfred Gomis early on, with Domingos striking from range on seven minutes, but Senegal quickly responded with Sadio Mane being denied by Ivane after he was picked out inside the box by Iliman Ndiaye.

Senegal continued to push forward, with Pape Sarr going close with a header that he directed just wide of the left post on 14 minutes from Ndiaye's cross. The opening goal finally arrived four minutes later, with Boulaye Dia getting on the scoresheet. Despite their lead, Senegal didn't let up, creating five chances in the first half.

The win confirms Senegal's qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, joining Ghana and Comoros as the other two teams to have already qualified. Senegal's Aliou Cisse was pleased with the team's performance and qualification, saying "We played well, got the win, and qualified for the AFCON.