Patrick Vieira arrives to begin Senegal coaching tenure

Patrick Vieira has arrived in Dakar to start his tenure as Senegal’s new senior national-team coach. His official unveiling is scheduled for Friday at 10:30 at the press conference room of Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, where he will also announce the squad for the next international window.

Vieira reached Blaise Diagne International Airport on Thursday evening. Senegalese Football Federation officials were present, along with representatives of the Lions’ three supporters’ groups: 12e Gaindé, Allez Casa and Lébougui. He travelled with members of his coaching staff as well as personnel from the previous national-team setup.

His first competitive assignment will be against Mozambique on September 25 at Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal, the reigning African champions, will then face Ethiopia on September 29, 2026, at Bahir Dar Stadium in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.

The programme also includes an international friendly against Comoros on October 4 at Marseille’s Orange Vélodrome. Vieira’s presentation and squad announcement will therefore set the direction for a schedule combining continental qualification with a fixture outside the competitive campaign.