Patrick Vieira makes bold Senegal choices on debut

Patrick Vieira began his Senegal tenure with several significant decisions, but the Lions could not secure a winning start in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His first match in charge ended in a draw away to Mozambique, leaving his new team with work to do before the next qualifier.

Vieira selected Yehvann Diouf as Senegal’s new first-choice goalkeeper following Édouard Mendy’s retirement. He also handed the captaincy to Lyon defender Moussa Niakhaté, rather than Pape Gueye. Niakhaté led the side until Idrissa Gana Gueye replaced him in the 83rd minute. In central defence, Niakhaté partnered Mamadou Sané, with Kalidou Koulibaly and Mamadou Sarr among the alternatives available.

The coach also altered Senegal’s midfield structure. Lamine Camara operated as the holding midfielder in a three-man unit, with Pape Gueye moving between deeper and more advanced positions. Camara frequently dropped close to the central defenders to begin attacks before stepping forward when Gueye took responsibility for progressing the ball.

With Sadio Mané, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr absent, Vieira chose Assane Diao on the left and Abdallah Sima on the right, leaving the Aston Villa player to enter in the 63rd minute for Pape Matar Sarr. Senegal’s defensive and attacking combinations will come under further examination against Ethiopia in four days.