Senegal aim for improvement as Patrick Vieira’s side face Ethiopia in AFCON 2027 qualifying

Senegal continue their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Ethiopia on Tuesday, with Patrick Vieira’s side looking to produce a more convincing performance after being held by Mozambique in their opening fixture.

The match will be played at the Bahir Dar Stadium in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 French time and 13:00 in Senegal. It will be shown live in France on beIN Sports 3 and in Senegal on RTS 1.

This will be Vieira’s second match in charge of Senegal, who were unable to turn their superiority into victory against Mozambique on 25 September. The Mambas are ranked 100th in the FIFA rankings, 81 places below Senegal, who are 19th.

Nicolas Jackson put the reigning African champions ahead in the 32nd minute after a strong start. However, Mozambique equalised against the run of play shortly before half-time, with the goal arriving in the second minute of stoppage time.

The result was not the only source of frustration for Senegal. The Green, White and Yellow produced two contrasting performances, showing energy and movement during the first half before dropping their intensity significantly after the interval.

They will need greater consistency against the Walyas, as well as improved finishing. Pape Matar Sarr, for example, missed a clear opportunity to make it 2-0 in the 39th minute against Mozambique.

Vieira could make changes to his starting XI. Ibrahim Mbaye is a contender to begin after coming on for the final half-hour in Maputo, while the involvement of Kalidou Koulibaly remains uncertain after he was left on the bench in the opening match.

Abdallah Sima, meanwhile, is expected to start for the second time in as many international appearances. The new Senegal international impressed against Mozambique and also provided an assist.

Senegal and Ethiopia have met only once before. Their sole previous encounter came in November 1965 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, when Senegal won 5-1 in the group stage in Tunis.