Patrick Vieira after Mozambique-Senegal: “There are areas for progress, we must continue to work”

Hooked by Mozambique this Friday, September 25, 2026 in Maputo for the start of qualifying for CAN 2027, Senegal failed to confirm over time a first period which was nevertheless controlled. In a post-match press conference, Patrick Vieira, for his big debut on the Lions bench, delivered a lucid analysis, between satisfaction and frustration.

The Franco-Senegalese coach first praised the balance of his group, where young players and executives coexist. “The young people are selected because they have talent, they have demonstrated with their respective club that they have the qualities to be able to play with the national team. The luck of these young people is that they are also supervised by players with experience. These experienced players take their responsibilities in the locker room to guide them accurately,” he explained, before returning to the atmosphere that has reigned within the group since he took office.

Read also: Senegal-Mozambique (1-1): the Lions of Vieira, between promises and the impression of déjà vu

A first period completed, a second to correct

For his first official match at the head of the Lions, Patrick Vieira said he saw what he hoped for, at least for forty-five minutes. “I said before that I was really happy with the atmosphere within the team. And that also translated, especially in this first period, with this consistency and this quality of play in this first period. Of course, there are regrets because what I saw especially in this first period, the players, the team deserved better. »

But the technician does not avoid the shortcomings which cost his team two points. “Unfortunately, it also shows that there are areas for progress, we must continue to work. We knew that everything was not going to be perfect in this match, we of course identified the gaps and these gaps, we will fill them with work. But it was important precisely to build these foundations. »

See you on September 29, during the trip to Ethiopia, to see if Patrick Vieira and his players will be able to win the match this time.

OBN