Ibrahim Mbaye tipped to start for Senegal against Mozambique

Ibrahim Mbaye could start Senegal’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Mozambique, giving Patrick Vieira an early chance to introduce a new attacking option in his first match as national-team coach. The Paris Saint-Germain winger is expected to operate on the right, with Assane Diao on the opposite flank.

Senegal face Mozambique in Maputo on Friday at 13:00 GMT. Vieira is expected to use a 4-4-2, with Nicolas Jackson and Abdallah Sima forming the forward pairing. The selection reflects the absences of Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr, who are suspended, while Sadio Mané is also unavailable.

Mbaye is 18 and has Senegalese and French nationality. A right winger, he progressed through PSG’s youth teams before moving from the club’s under-23 side into the senior squad during the 2025-26 season. He is valued at €30 million by Paris Saint-Germain, but his listed condition includes an ankle sprain.

Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye are expected to anchor the midfield, with Yehvann Diouf competing with Mory Diaw in goal. Moussa Niakhaté should lead the defence, alongside either Mamadou Sarr or Malang Sarr, while Lamine Sy and Malick Diouf are projected to fill the full-back positions. The match gives Vieira’s reshaped attack a direct test at the start of the qualification race.