Patrick Vieira set to unveil first Senegal squad in Dakar

Patrick Vieira has arrived in Dakar ahead of his official presentation as Senegal coach, when he will announce his first squad on Friday.

The new Lions coach landed in the Senegalese capital on Thursday evening, with his arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport greeted by numerous supporters.

Vieira was appointed Senegal’s national team coach on 18 August and is now preparing to formally begin his first assignment with a national side.

Born in Dakar, the former France international is taking charge of Senegal for the first time and will start his tenure with a busy schedule of competitive and friendly fixtures.

Before his official presentation, Vieira spoke of his pride at being appointed to lead the national team.

“Honored and proud to join Senegal as coach of the national A team,” he had notably declared, adding that he was “eager to meet the group and begin working together on the next steps.”

First squad to be announced on Friday

The Senegalese Football Federation has scheduled Vieira’s official presentation for Friday, 18 September, at 10:30am.

The event will be held in the press conference room of the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, where the new coach will reveal his first selection for the Lions.

Several players have already been mentioned in the Senegalese media ahead of the announcement.

L’Équipe has reported that Malang Sarr is set to receive his first call-up to the Senegal national team.

Other players linked with the squad include Lamine Sy, Sadibou Sané, Ngagne Demba Thiam, Mamour Ndiaye and Rassoul Ndiaye.

Those reports have yet to be confirmed, with Vieira expected to provide the definitive list when he officially announces his squad on Friday.

Mozambique first test

Vieira’s first competitive challenge will come quickly after his presentation.

Senegal are scheduled to travel to Maputo on 25 September to face Mozambique in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Lions will then play Ethiopia on 29 September before returning to friendly action against Comoros on 4 October in Marseille.

The three fixtures will give Vieira his first opportunity to work with the Senegal squad in competitive and international match conditions.

His presentation on Friday will therefore mark the formal beginning of his tenure, while also revealing the players he has chosen for the opening phase of his time in charge.

With Mozambique only days away, Vieira will have little time between announcing his squad and preparing the Lions for their first match under his leadership.