Senegal's Minister of Sports, Djirèye Clotilde Coly, has expressed confidence in the team's new coach, Patrick Vieira, ahead of their first match against Mozambique on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 13:00 in Maputo. Vieira, a renowned French international, will begin his tenure with the Senegalese national team, and Coly expects him to deliver performance and build a solid team. The minister highlighted Vieira's impressive experience and legitimacy in the world of football.
The match against Mozambique marks the beginning of Senegal's qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2027), scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Coly emphasized that the team's goal is not only to secure a positive result but also to establish a strong team foundation. She acknowledged the abundance of talented players in the Senegalese squad and expects Vieira to transform this individual potential into collective strength.
The Senegalese government has assured its support for the national team throughout their campaign, including the upcoming matches against Mozambique, Kenya, and a friendly match against Comoros in Marseille, France. Coly revealed that a meeting was held with the Senegalese Football Federation to discuss logistical arrangements and ensure a smooth preparation process for the team.
Coly also addressed the decision to play the first match against Mozambique away from home, citing technical reasons presented by the Federation. While accepting this decision, she emphasized the importance of better planning and anticipation to avoid last-minute changes that could have negative consequences on the team's performance, organization, and finances.
The Minister of Sports reiterated that the choice of Patrick Vieira as the team's coach was made by the Senegalese Football Federation, which enjoys autonomy in this regard. The ministry's role is to ensure that the selection process respects institutional frameworks and the general interest. Coly expressed her confidence in Vieira's ability to lead the team to success.
As the team prepares to face Mozambique, Coly called on the Federation to be more proactive in planning and preparation to prevent future last-minute changes. The minister's expectations are high, and she looks forward to seeing the team's performance under Vieira's guidance. The Senegalese national team is expected to field a strong lineup, with Pape Gueye likely to captain the team and Kalidou Koulibaly expected to start on the bench.
The upcoming match against Mozambique will be a crucial test for Vieira and his team as they begin their journey in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. With a solid team and a clear strategy, Senegal aims to secure a positive result and set the tone for their campaign. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they look to build on their strengths and achieve success in the tournament.
Key points
- The Senegalese Minister of Sports, Djirèye Clotilde Coly, expects new coach Patrick Vieira to deliver performance and build a solid team ahead of the team's first match against Mozambique.
