Senegal new coach Patrick Vieira drops captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Pathé Ciss for AFCON qualifiers

Senegal new coach Patrick Vieira has reportedly made a major selection decision ahead of his first assignment in charge of the Lions of Teranga, with Kalidou Koulibaly and Pathé Ciss said to have been omitted from his maiden squad.

The French tactician is understood to have already sent out invitations to clubs ahead of the upcoming international break as he begins preparations for Senegal’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

According to reports, the former Crystal Palace tactician has dropped both Koulibaly and Ciss for the upcoming fixtures.

The experienced defender has been one of the most influential figures in the Lions of Teranga setup, having served as captain and played a key role during some of the most successful periods in the country’s recent football history.

His potential absence would therefore attract significant attention as Vieira begins reshaping the squad and implementing his ideas.

Koulibaly and Ciss could consequently miss Senegal’s opening two matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers if their reported omissions are confirmed.

The Lions of Teranga will begin their qualifying campaign at home against Mozambique on September 25 at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium.

Vieira’s side will then face a quick turnaround, travelling to Ethiopia four days later for their second Group assignment on September 29.

The upcoming fixtures will provide Vieira with his first competitive test since taking charge of Senegal and offer an early indication of the direction he intends to take with the national team.

While the potential omission of Koulibaly represents one of the biggest talking points, Vieira’s first squad is expected to provide clues about the players he intends to rely on as Senegal begin their journey towards qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

For now, the reported absence of the former captain remains subject to official confirmation when the full squad is released.