Senegal set to host Sudan at Leopold-Sedar-Senghor in Patrick Vieira’s first home match

Patrick Vieira is expected to experience the atmosphere of a major Senegal home fixture for the first time when the Lions welcome Sudan on 12 November in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Vieira, who was appointed Senegal manager in September, has so far taken charge of matches away from Dakar. That wait should end with the Sudan fixture, after the Senegalese Football Federation selected Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor as the venue.

The usual home ground, Stade Abdoulaye-Wade, is unavailable because it is being used for the Dakar Youth Olympic Games. The decision to move the match should allow Senegal to return to the capital and play in front of their supporters.

Senegal’s previous schedule had also been affected by uncertainty over the country’s stadiums. The order of the matches against Mozambique was changed, with Senegal eventually playing in Maputo, where they were held to a 1-1 draw.

Vieira has made clear that he is looking forward to managing Senegal in Dakar.

“It is an important moment. I cannot wait to discover the atmosphere and the support of the fans,” he recently told Wiwsport.

However, the choice of venue does not completely settle the issue. The condition of the pitch at Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor has been questioned in recent weeks, and the stadium was closed after the African Champions League match between Teungueth FC and Colombe Sportive du Dja on 18 October.

No further match is due to be played there before Sudan’s visit. The period without competitive football is intended to give maintenance teams time to regenerate the playing surface and bring it up to international standards.

The Senegalese Ministry of Sports announced in September that it was introducing an enhanced maintenance programme, including technical supervision and daily monitoring. A return to Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor had already been considered for September, although concerns remain over whether the stadium can cope with a demanding schedule.

The pitch will be particularly significant for Vieira’s approach. The Franco-Senegalese coach is seeking to build a side that can play out from the back cleanly and take the initiative. A deteriorating surface could restrict those plans, as it did in Maputo.

The match against Sudan also carries importance in the qualification standings. Senegal are currently second in their group, behind Sudan, who will be their next opponents.

After an uneven start against Mozambique and a narrow first victory in Ethiopia, Senegal would benefit from returning to Dakar, having their supporters behind them and playing on a pitch in good condition.

The remaining challenge is now a race against time: ensuring the grass is ready for the match on 12 November.