Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has delivered his first assessment of the national team after they battled to a 1-1 draw against Mozambique in their matchday one of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Friday.
The Arsenal legend was taking charge of his first game since he took over to lead the Lions of Teranga. In a game at Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, Vieira was denied his first win after the Mambas came from behind to settle the tie.
Aston Villa forward Nicolas Jackson gave Senegal the lead in the 32nd minute, putting the visitors in control as they looked to make a winning start under their new coach.
However, Mozambique never gave up and they responded just before half-time, with Geny Catamo equalising in added time to send the teams into the break level.
Speaking after the game, Vieira admitted he had identified the shortcomings from the contest and the mistakes would be rectified before their matchday two of the qualifiers.
‘We've identified shortcomings’
“There are obviously regrets. I think we deserved better in the first half. But unfortunately, it proves there are areas for improvement,” Vieira told reporters as quoted by Wiw Sports.
“We have to keep working, because we knew everything wasn’t going to be perfect in this match.”
Vieira added: “Young players are selected because they have talent. They have shown with their respective clubs that they have the qualities to aspire to play for the national team.
“Their advantage is that they are also supported by experienced players who take responsibility in the locker room to guide them. I am satisfied with the atmosphere within the team. I think that was reflected in this first half, with this cohesion and quality of play.
“We've identified the shortcomings and we’ll address them with hard work. It was important to lay the foundations. In terms of attitude and the players’ performance, we’re on the right track.”
On the outcome of the game, Vieira conceded: “There’s disappointment because we always have that desire to win, and we showed, in our play, that we wanted to take this victory.
“But luck wasn’t on our side. Maybe we’ll convert those chances in the next match.”
Vieira was missing the services of forward Sadio Mane, who was not considered alongside experienced goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who confirmed his retirement before the qualifiers got underway.
Senegal’s matchday two will be against Ethiopia on September 29th in Bahir Dar.
The West Africans will conclude the upcoming international window with a friendly match against Comoros on October 4th at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
In the other Group J fixture for Senegal, Sudan edged out Ethiopia 1-0 to move top.
Aliou Cisse proud of Angola
Meanwhile, Angola coach Aliou Cisse praised his players’ attitude after they settled for a 0-0 draw against Egypt in a Group B fixture.
“We played a great match against a great team. Frankly, I’m happy to have earned this point, and pleased with the level of our defensive line,” said the former Senegal coach.
“We played the match we wanted to play to achieve our objective... and the most important thing is that we achieved it.”
Angola will next face Malawi, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win against South Sudan on Friday.
