Ibrahim Mbaye earns Patrick Vieira first Senegal win in Ethiopia qualifier

Ibrahim Mbaye scored the only goal as Senegal beat Ethiopia 1-0 to give Patrick Vieira his first victory as head coach in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Vieira’s side had opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique, but they secured all three points against Ethiopia in their second match.

Mbaye put Senegal ahead in the 11th minute, running through on goal before firing a powerful finish into the net. The Aston Villa forward had been played in by Nicolas Jackson.

The goal was Mbaye’s fifth for Senegal in 17 international appearances across all competitions.

The result moved the Teranga Lions to the top of the qualifying group on four points, level with Mozambique. Ethiopia remain bottom without a point.

Sudan are third on three points after losing 4-1 to Mozambique at the same time.

Senegal will face Sudan next month in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.