Patrick Vieira Begins Senegal Era Without Sadio Mané

The Lions of Teranga begin their road to AFCON 2027 with a new head coach and without one of the biggest stars in African soccer.

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Patrick Vieira Starts His Senegal Era Without Sadio Mané

A new era is beginning for Senegal. Patrick Vieira will take charge of his first competitive match as Lions of Teranga head coach on September 25 against Mozambique, as Group J of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers gets underway, but he will have to do it without Sadio Mané.

The new coach named a 29-man squad for the qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia, followed by a friendly against Comoros in Marseille on October 4. The most notable absence was one of the biggest names in Senegalese soccer.

Vieira explained that Mané was left out because of a physical issue, while making it clear that the decision does not signal the end of the forward's international career. Mané remains part of his plans and could return during the next international window.

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Who Can Step Up Without Sadio Mané?

Mané's absence creates a major opportunity for Senegal's next generation of attacking talent. Vieira can turn to Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Assane Diao and Ibrahim Mbaye as he shapes his new-look attack.

The coach has also used his first squad to introduce several fresh faces. Malang Sarr, Lamine Sy and Sadibou Sané have all been included as Vieira looks to blend new talent with an experienced core.

Several established figures remain central to the project, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr, giving Vieira a strong foundation as he begins his tenure.

Senegal Begins the Road to AFCON 2027

Senegal's first test comes at home against Mozambique on September 25, while Sudan and Ethiopia meet in the other opening fixture in Group J.

Four days later, the Lions of Teranga travel to face Ethiopia, with Mozambique hosting Sudan in the group's other Matchday Two fixture.

For Vieira, these matches represent the first competitive steps of a project tasked with keeping Senegal among Africa's elite. He will have to begin without Mané, while finding out which players are ready to assume greater responsibility in his absence.

Key Takeaways

Patrick Vieira will make his competitive debut as Senegal coach against Mozambique.
Sadio Mané is unavailable due to a physical issue, but remains part of Vieira's plans.
Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr are among the attacking options available in Mané's absence.