AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Senegal coach Patrick Vieira demands improved performance against Ethiopia

Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has challenged his players to produce a stronger performance when they face Ethiopia in their second Group J match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday.

The Lions of Teranga opened their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique in Maputo, leaving them with just one point heading into their meeting with Ethiopia.

Senegal will now travel to Bahir Dar Stadium, where the Walia are set to host Vieira’s side at 1pm GMT, with both teams looking to strengthen their position in the group.

Vieira expects another difficult encounter but believes Senegal must improve in several areas if they are to claim all three points.

“We’re expecting a tough match. There are no easy matches at this level. It’s important for us to put in a good performance, create chances and score goals,” Vieira said.

The former France international stressed that Senegal’s objective is clear: to return home with maximum points.

“The aim is to take all three points. The team will be competitive,” he added.

Vieira also highlighted the importance of being prepared physically, tactically and mentally, particularly with the demands of playing away from home in African football.

“Tactically, physically and mentally, it’s been a long journey, but there’s no such thing as an easy journey,” he explained.

The Senegal coach also called for greater concentration from his players, urging them to put the disappointment of the Mozambique draw behind them and focus on delivering a better display in Ethiopia.

“From here on, it’s important for us to really focus on the essentials, the game itself, and on what we’re going to put in place to perform better than we did against Mozambique,” Vieira said.

Senegal will therefore be looking to turn their opening-day draw into a positive result in Bahir Dar, while Ethiopia will hope to use home advantage to challenge one of the continent’s established footballing nations.

With three points at stake, Vieira knows his side must combine defensive discipline with greater attacking efficiency if they are to achieve their target and make progress in Group J.