Senegal claim first win under Patrick Vieira in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Senegal secured their first victory under Patrick Vieira by beating Ethiopia 1-0 in Bahir Dar on Tuesday in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The result came four days after the Lions of Teranga were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique on 25 September. Ibrahim Mbaye scored the only goal at the Bahir Dar Stadium, striking in the 11th minute.

Nicolas Jackson created the opening with good work near the edge of the Ethiopia penalty area before finding Mbaye in a central position. The former Paris Saint-Germain player then sent a powerful finish into the top corner beyond Abubeker Nura.

For his second game in charge, Vieira changed the system from the 4-2-3-1 used in the opening match and selected a 3-4-3 formation.

Malang Sarr joined Moussa Niakhate and Sadibou Sane in a three-man defence. Niakhate retained the captaincy in the continued absence of Kalidou Koulibaly, who remained on the bench, while Sane made his second international appearance and second start.

Mbaye replaced Lamine Sy and operated as the right wing-back. Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara and El Hadji Malick Diouf completed the midfield, with Diouf playing further forward on the left. Assane Diao, Jackson and Abdallah Sima formed the attacking trio, with Sima starting for the second successive match.

Vieira made several changes as he attempted to inject more energy into his side after the interval, but his substitutions again failed to produce a clear improvement.

Diao was replaced by Idrissa Gana Gueye in the 55th minute, when Senegal also switched to a back four. Issa Soumare and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye then came on in the 65th minute for Sima and Pape Gueye.

Senegal reverted to five defenders late on, with Pape Moussa Fall introduced in the 89th minute and Lamine Sy entering in the first minute of added time. The changes came as the visitors faced mounting pressure from the hosts.

Mbaye produced one of Senegal’s strongest performances, combining his goal with an energetic display on the right. He repeatedly attempted to create openings for Jackson, who provided the assist but could not finish his own chances. His clearest opportunity came in the 89th minute, when he was unable to beat Nura.

Senegal will also need to improve defensively. Ethiopia almost equalised in first-half stoppage time when Fikru’s shot narrowly missed Y. Diouf’s right-hand post after the Walyas had combined with a three-pass move inside the penalty area.

Y. Diouf was forced into another important intervention in the 57th minute, pushing away a close-range header.

The victory moves Vieira’s side into second place in Group J, behind Mozambique, who beat Sudan 4-1 in the other match. Senegal will next face Comoros in a friendly in Marseille on 4 October.