Senegal: Patrick Vieira welcomed in Dakar before unveiling his first squad with the Lions

Patrick Vieira arrived in Dakar on Thursday evening to begin his tenure at the helm of the Senegal national team. The new Lions manager is due to be officially presented this Friday, September 18, before unveiling his first squad.

The French-Senegalese coach reached the Senegalese capital on the eve of this first official milestone. His arrival at Blaise-Diagne International Airport was marked by the presence of numerous supporters who came to welcome him.

Appointed Senegal manager on August 18, Patrick Vieira will now concretely begin his mission with the Lions. Born in Dakar, the former France international is embarking on his first experience in charge of a national team with Senegal.

Before his official presentation, Vieira had expressed his pride at taking charge of the national team. “Honoured and proud to join Senegal as head coach of the senior national team,” he said at the time, adding that he was “looking forward to meeting the squad and getting to work together on the next steps.”

First squad to be announced in Dakar on Friday

The Senegalese Football Federation has scheduled Patrick Vieira’s presentation for this Friday, September 18, at 10:30 a.m., in the press conference room at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium. The new manager will use the occasion to unveil his first squad with the Lions.

Several names have already circulated in the Senegalese press. L’Équipe notably reports that Malang Sarr will receive his first call-up for Senegal. Other players, including Lamine Sy, Sadibou Sané, Ngagne Demba Thiam, Mamour Ndiaye and Rassoul Ndiaye, have also been reported by various media outlets.

However, this information will have to be confirmed by Patrick Vieira when he officially announces his squad.

Mozambique to provide the starting point

The new manager will quickly face competitive action. Senegal will travel to Maputo on September 25 to face Mozambique in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Lions will then face Ethiopia on September 29, before a friendly against Comoros on October 4 in Marseille.

Friday’s presentation will therefore allow Vieira to reveal his first decisions and officially begin his tenure just days before these three fixtures.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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