Mozambique produced a stunning late equaliser right at the end of the first half, levelling the score at 1-1 against Group J heavyweights Senegal in their Africa Cup of Nations Round 1 opener.

While Senegal dominated possession early on, holding the ball 63% of the time, Mozambique’s defense stood firm, managing to hold the favorites at bay during a frantic opening half-hour.

The physicality of the game escalated midway through the first half, leading to the match’s first yellow card when Mozambique’s Witi was penalized for a rough tackle in the 29th minute.

Senegal soon capitalized on their territorial advantage. In the 32nd minute, forward Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock, finishing off a well-worked assist from Abdallah Sima to put the Lions of Teranga ahead 1-0.

Despite the pressure, Mozambique struggled with discipline, earning a second yellow card in the 38th minute when Guima was booked for a reckless challenge.

Just when it looked like Senegal would maintain a comfortable lead into the break, the match took an unexpected turn in injury time. In the 45+2nd minute, Witi set up Geny Catamo, who found the net, stunning Senegal and bringing Mozambique level just as the referee blew the whistle.

The game was tied at 1-1 at halftime, and both teams knew they had a lot to play for in Group J. However, after the final whistle of the second half, neither team scored again.