Pape Moussa Fall gives Patrick Vieira another option for Senegal

Pape Moussa Fall could be given a bigger opportunity when Senegal face Comoros in Marseille on Sunday as Patrick Vieira continues to assess his options during his first international break as coach.

Senegal have collected four points from their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, drawing 1-1 with Mozambique and beating Ethiopia 1-0. Their performances in both games left room for improvement, making the friendly against Comoros another chance for Vieira’s side to impress.

The match at the Stade Vélodrome is scheduled for 19:00 GMT and could allow Vieira to rotate his squad after using 18 players across the two qualifiers.

The return of Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also gives Senegal more attacking options, while players who have had limited involvement could be given an opportunity to make an impression.

Fall is among those players.

The 2m-tall FC Metz striker was one of the notable selections in Vieira’s first Senegal squad. His inclusion was significant not only because he is the only outfield player in the squad playing for a second-division club, but also because of the difficult path he has taken to reach the national team.

The former Génération Foot player had to overcome a serious injury before earning his chance with Senegal.

In January 2025, Fall suffered a cruciate ligament injury while playing for RFC Seraing, despite having made an impressive start to the season. The injury kept him out for a year.

His return, however, brought an immediate highlight. After joining RAAL La Louvière, Fall scored the winning goal in a 3-2 away victory against Club Brugge.

He ended that season with 11 goals in 27 Jupiler Pro League appearances, including 18 starts.

His performances in Belgium eventually earned him another opportunity with FC Metz, who brought him back for the current season.

Fall made a strong impression during pre-season and has continued that form in Ligue 2. He scored five goals in his first seven matches, performances which helped earn him his first call-up to the Senegal squad.

The striker has already made brief appearances against Mozambique and Ethiopia during the current international break.

The friendly against Comoros could now provide him with a longer opportunity to show what he can offer.

Vieira has already demonstrated his willingness to use different players during his first two matches, and Fall could benefit from further rotation in Marseille.

For the striker, the game represents another chance to repay the confidence shown in him by the Senegal coach.

After overcoming a lengthy injury and rebuilding his career in Belgium, Fall is now attempting to establish himself as another option in Senegal’s attack.

The Comoros friendly could give him the opportunity to take another step towards that goal and show that he can provide reliable support in the position despite currently playing in the second tier.