Ethiopia-Senegal at 1 p.m.: the Lions in search of victory in Bahir Dar to revive themselves

After the draw conceded against Mozambique (1-1), Senegal returns to competition this Tuesday at 1 p.m. GMT against Ethiopia, at the Bahir Dar Stadium. For his second outing at the head of the Lions, Patrick Vieira is expected to be able to correct the deficiencies observed in Maputo.

In a stadium located at around 1,800 meters above sea level, the African champions will have to regain their efficiency to achieve a first success and approach in better conditions the double confrontation in November against Sudan, leader of Group J.

Senegal did not fully convince for its entry into the CAN 2027 qualifiers. Despite dominating in sequences, the Lions were forced to share points by Mozambique last Friday in Maputo. A result which places them in second position in Group J, with one point, behind Sudan, author of a victory against Ethiopia (1-0).

Four days after this first outing, Patrick Vieira’s men were called upon to react. Faced with an Ethiopian selection also in search of points, Senegal will have to display more control and sharpness on both surfaces. The challenge is twofold: to achieve a first victory in these qualifications and to avoid letting Sudan widen the gap at the top of the ranking.

However, the task does not look easy. In Bahir Dar, in the Amhara region, the Lions will evolve in a special environment. Located at approximately 1,800 meters above sea level, the Bahir Dar Stadium imposes an additional challenge in terms of physical adaptation. Arriving on Sunday, the Senegalese delegation had little time to acclimatize before this meeting.

Vieira expected on his choices and adjustments

For his second official meeting at the head of the selection, Patrick Vieira is expected to be able to learn lessons from the match against Mozambique. In Maputo, the Lions showed limits in offensive animation and the construction of the game, particularly after the break. The coach admitted having identified the inadequacies and promised to make corrections.

The technician could thus review certain choices in his starting eleven. In midfield, the performance of Pape Guèye, Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr, little in sight during the second half against the Mambas, could lead to adjustments in the organization and distribution of the game. In attack, the effectiveness of the starters will also be scrutinized, after a lackluster performance from Nicolas Jackson, Abdallah Sima and Assane Diao.

The defense could also experience changes. Malang Sarr, called up for the national team for the first time, is expected to make his debut in the Lions jersey. The defender is among the new players called up by Vieira for this international window. His tenure would be an opportunity to honor his first selection and bring a new option in the defensive axis.

The coach will nevertheless have to deal with the absences of Sadio Mané, injured, as well as those of Ismaïla Sarr and Ilimane Ndiaye during the first match. These unavailabilities reduce offensive possibilities and reinforce the importance of tactical choices for this second day.

A victory to prepare for the November meeting

Beyond the immediate recovery, the trip to Ethiopia is of particular importance in view of the rest of the qualifiers. In November, Senegal will face Sudan twice, current leader of Group J. Before this double meeting, the Lions have every interest in collecting points to stay in contact with their opponent and approach these confrontations in a favorable position.

A victory in Bahir Dar would allow Senegal to bring its total to four points and maintain pressure on Sudan, who face Mozambique on the same day. A success with at least two goals difference, combined with a draw between the other two teams, could even put the Lions back at the top of the group.

But Ethiopia, beaten on the first day, also intends to react in front of its public. The Walyas will look to open their account and restart their qualifying campaign. In this context, the Lions will have to combine defensive rigor, intensity and offensive efficiency to leave Bahir Dar with the three points.

CG DIOP