Senegal coach Patrick Vieira opens up on preparations ahead of Mozambique clash

Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira has outlined his side’s preparations for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Mozambique, revealing that recovery has been the immediate priority for his players.

The Lions of Teranga’s training camp officially began in Maputo on Sunday, September 20, with the first group of players arriving in the Mozambican capital ahead of Thursday’s encounter at the Zimpeto National Stadium.

With the squad arriving at different times after long journeys from their respective clubs, Vieira explained that the technical team initially focused on helping the players recover rather than immediately beginning intensive work on the pitch.

“For the first group to arrive today, the priority was really recovery, as it was a long journey for most of the players. Specific recovery work was therefore carried out at the hotel,” Vieira said.

The former France international revealed that serious preparations on the pitch would begin on Tuesday afternoon, with the squad expected to be complete by the evening.

“We’ll really get our preparations underway on the pitch tomorrow, Tuesday afternoon. The squad will be complete by tomorrow evening,” he added.

Vieira stressed that keeping the players fresh is particularly important with the opening qualifier approaching quickly.

“The priority, for the moment, remains recovery. After a long journey, it is important to keep the match day in mind and, above all, to ensure the players stay fresh,” the Senegal coach explained.

The coach, however, confirmed that the team would step up its work once the full squad had assembled.

“We will, however, start working seriously on the pitch from Tuesday afternoon,” Vieira said.

Senegal will face Mozambique on Thursday, September 25, in their opening Group-stage fixture of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The match was initially scheduled to be played in Dakar but was moved to Mozambique due to the unavailability of suitable stadiums in the Senegalese capital. With the squad expected to be complete by Tuesday evening, Vieira will have a limited period to put the final touches to his plans before Senegal begin their qualifying campaign in Maputo.