Patrick Vieira vows to fix Senegal’s shortcomings

Patrick Vieira has identified the areas Senegal must improve after his first match in charge ended with a draw in Mozambique. The coach said the team now has to work on those weaknesses before Tuesday’s qualifier against Ethiopia in Bahir Dar.

Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique in Maputo in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Nicolas Jackson put the Lions ahead in the 32nd minute, but the hosts equalised in first-half stoppage time through a goal in the 45th-plus-second minute.

Senegal enjoyed more possession but lacked sharpness in attack despite creating several opportunities. Vieira said his side had deserved more from the first half and accepted that the missed chances showed where progress was needed. He also said the players’ attitude and overall performance indicated that the team was moving in the right direction.

The result gives Senegal a point from its opening fixture, while the focus now shifts to Ethiopia. Vieira said the Mozambique match had provided important foundations, but he expects the team to be more effective in front of goal in the next game.