Patrick Vieira unveils first Senegal squad, eyes Marseille clash

Patrick Vieira has been officially named Senegal manager and will unveil his first squad on Friday at a press conference at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar (10:30 a.m.). The former Arsenal midfielder and 1998 World Cup winner with France was born in Dakar: his return to lead the Lions of Teranga therefore carries particular significance.

This new chapter opens two and a half months after a disappointing 2026 World Cup for Senegal, eliminated in the round of 16 by Belgium (3-2 a.e.t., July 1 in Seattle) following three group-stage defeats. It also opens without several key players: Sadio Mané (33) and Édouard Mendy (34) will not be involved, while Kalidou Koulibaly’s (35) international future remains undecided. Pape Thiaw, whose contract reportedly has not yet been officially terminated, is also stepping aside for Vieira.

The squad announced Friday will cover the first two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. Senegal face Mozambique on Friday, September 25 in Maputo, then Ethiopia four days later in Addis Ababa. Sudan completes this qualifying group.

After these two official matches, the Lions of Teranga will not return home but will play in Marseille on Sunday, October 4 at the Vélodrome, for a friendly against Comoros. The match will give Pape Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr the chance to return to the city. Comoros, whose diaspora is very present in Marseille, will benefit from considerable popular support: several Coelacanths are natives of the city, including captain Youssouf M’Changama.

One file to watch on the Comoros side is that of Keyliane Abdallah, the 20-year-old left winger at Marseille. Having progressed through French youth teams, he is eligible to represent Comoros due to his Mahoran origins and could earn a first cap in this match.