Senegal target CAN 2027 progress as Patrick Vieira builds new era

Patrick Vieira believes Senegal have begun to establish a stronger platform under his leadership after taking four points from their opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The coach made the assessment before the Lions’ international friendly against Comoros at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome on Sunday, a fixture he considers important despite its non-competitive status.

Vieira took charge in mid-September and began his tenure with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique before Senegal defeated Ethiopia 1-0. Both matches were played away from home, giving the new coach a demanding introduction to the qualifying campaign. The four-point return leaves Senegal with a positive result on the numbers, even though Vieira has identified areas that require improvement in the team’s performances.

The former France and Senegal midfielder said his first task had been to put structures in place and learn more about the players available to him. That process has included assessing their attitude, their commitment and their desire to represent the national team. Vieira considers the opening matches useful not only for the results but also for the information they provided about the character of his squad.

The Mozambique and Ethiopia fixtures produced different lessons. Senegal conceded in the draw with Mozambique but avoided defeat, then secured a narrow victory over Ethiopia. Vieira has recognised positive elements in both displays while also pointing to collective aspects that must improve. His focus is on using the three-match sequence, including the Comoros game, to develop a clearer understanding of how the team should progress.

The early record offers Senegal a sound starting point in the qualifying competition. Four points from two difficult away matches is a strong accounting return, particularly in a campaign in which every point can shape the route to the finals. Vieira has stressed, however, that results alone do not provide a complete assessment. The team’s content, decision-making and collective level remain under examination as the coach works to raise standards.

The Comoros match will also carry a distinct setting. It will be the first meeting between the two national teams and Senegal’s first appearance at the Vélodrome. The Marseille stadium gives the fixture an unusual backdrop, but Vieira’s attention is on the football rather than the occasion. He sees the match as another step in the work started during the opening qualifying window.

A central purpose of the friendly is to examine players who have not yet had the opportunity to play under the new coach. Vieira and his staff want to gather more evidence before the next competitive commitments, while keeping the demands of international football in place. The match therefore provides room to assess depth without removing the expectation that Senegal perform with discipline and intensity.

Vieira has also linked those expectations to behaviour away from the pitch. He believes high-level football requires daily standards from players, coaches and the wider staff. That demand applies to preparation, conduct and performance. For Senegal, the immediate objective is to turn the encouraging points from the first two qualifiers into a more complete team, with the Comoros friendly offering the next chance to test that developing identity.