Vieira vows intensity in Ethiopia Senegal AFCON clash
Patrick Vieira said Senegal will apply more intensity against Ethiopia in their 2027 AFCON qualifier at Bahir Dar, chasing a first win after a 1-1 draw with Mozambique. Live coverage showed Ibrahim Mbaye scoring early for a 0-1 lead in the Ethiopia Senegal Group J Matchday 2 fixture.
Key Takeaways
- Senegal coach Patrick Vieira called for a complete, high-intensity performance away to Ethiopia after drawing 1-1 with Mozambique on Matchday 1.
- Ibrahim Mbaye opened the scoring in the 10th minute, set up by Nicolas Jackson, putting Senegal ahead 0-1 in Bahir Dar.
- Ethiopia entered the Group J clash seeking a first point after a late 1-0 loss to Sudan; Sudan led the group with three points.
- Sadio Mané missed the window with a physical issue, while Malang Sarr was among the Senegal options under Vieira.
What did Patrick Vieira say before the Ethiopia Senegal match?
Vieira told reporters Senegal would concentrate on the essentials and play with more intensity than against Mozambique, where the Lions of Teranga dominated but failed to convert enough chances. He expected a complicated, difficult match and stressed there are no easy games at this level.
The objective, he said, was to create chances, score goals, and take the three points. He also welcomed playing in a real stadium with a real pitch in Bahir Dar as a positive after a long journey, according to Flashscore reporting.
How is the Ethiopia Senegal AFCON 2027 qualifier unfolding?
Live updates from Bahir Dar showed Matchday 2 of Group J underway, with Senegal leading through Ibrahim Mbaye in the 10th minute after Nicolas Jackson set up a right-footed finish. Ethiopia pressed for an equalizer through efforts involving Abel Yalew, Birhanu Bekele, and Biniyam Fikru.
Pape Gueye received a yellow card in the 18th minute, and Assane Diao later headed wide from a corner as Senegal sought a second goal. The result remained live as first-half action continued.
Why does this Group J meeting matter for both sides?
Senegal are hunting a first victory of the Patrick Vieira era and cannot afford to drop further ground after Mozambique took a point. Ethiopia need a response in front of home supporters after Mohamed Eisa scored an 86th-minute winner for Sudan.
Sudan sit top of Group J with three points; Senegal and Mozambique have one each, while Ethiopia are still seeking a first point. The top two qualify directly for AFCON 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. For more breaking coverage across our desk, visit Fintech & Crypto Alerts.