Senegal find promise and problems in Vieira's first camp

Patrick Vieira’s first Senegal camp has strengthened the case for Idrissa Gana Gueye and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, while leaving questions over several established players. The new coach’s opening international window produced encouraging options in midfield, but also showed areas requiring adjustment before the Lions’ next fixtures.

Senegal finished the three-match period unbeaten, drawing with Mozambique and defeating Ethiopia in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying before beating Comoros in a friendly. Vieira used 25 of his 28 players. Gana Gueye, 37 and the squad’s oldest member, recovered from two unconvincing substitute appearances to control the Comoros game with his passing, positioning and ball-winning. He was applauded when substituted and strengthened his claim to the holding midfield role.

Ndiaye, 18, made his first appearance against Ethiopia before starting against Comoros. His technical quality and pressing stood out, and his recovery in the opposition half led to Senegal’s only goal in that match. The forward used in the first two qualifiers also made a strong impression, scoring against Mozambique and creating the winner against Ethiopia before being rested against Comoros.

Moussa Diouf endured the most difficult window among the defenders, losing possession 26 times across the two qualifiers and offering little from left-back. Lamine Camara also struggled as the deeper playmaker, giving the ball away 14 times against Mozambique and 15 against Ethiopia. Pape Guèye failed to influence either start, with his partnership alongside Camara lacking cohesion. Senegal’s results were positive, but Vieira still has selection and midfield balance to resolve.