Senegal team: The highs and lows of Patrick Vieira's first training camp

For his baptism of fire with the Lions, the new coach was granted a three-week break. Against Mozambique (1-1) and Ethiopia (1-0) in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, followed by a friendly against Comoros (1-0), the French manager tested several players. Of the 28 called up (the 29th, Ismaïla Sarr, was absent for the entire break), 25 were used during the three matches. Aside from the two other goalkeepers (Demba Thiam and Mamour Ndiaye), Arouna Sangante was the only outfield player not to play a single minute. Here are the highs and lows of this international window.

The tops

Idrissa Gana Gueye

He certainly has nothing left to prove, but at 37, having transferred to Saudi Arabia this summer and with the emergence of younger players, "Gana" had everything to lose during this international break. Nevertheless, the veteran of the squad emerged stronger. After two somewhat lackluster appearances against Mozambique and Ethiopia, he shone brightly against Comoros, showcasing his talent as a playmaker and ball-winner. The Lions' launchpad, he fluidified and opened up the game with his passes, movement, and game intelligence.

Replaced to a standing ovation from the crowd, he may have secured his starting position as a defensive midfielder for the months to come.

Bara Sapoko Ndiaye

Considered a promising talent just a few months ago, the 18-year-old could finally be the X-factor in the Lions' midfield. Coming on as a substitute against Ethiopia and then starting against Comoros, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye was one of the best players. At the Vélodrome, his technical ability was an asset in possession, and his tireless work rate was crucial in counter-pressing. In fact, Senegal's only goal against Comoros came from his ball recovery in the opposition's half.

Bara Ndiaye also has the ability to speed up the game with every touch. His ball control and runs have destabilized his opponents on several occasions.

Nicolas Jackson

On the difficult pitches of Mozambique and Ethiopia, the striker delivered solid performances during the qualifiers. Scoring in the first match, he tirelessly worked the front line to create opportunities for his teammates. In the second match, his surging run drew the center-backs before he perfectly timed his pass to Ibrahim Mbaye for the winning goal. In open play, he supported his teammates in short passing and also offered options in long balls, making runs behind the defense. At the Vélodrome, he was rested by coach Patrick Vieira.

The flops

El Hadji Malick Diouf

The left-back is far from the form he showed at the 2025 AFCON. Against Mozambique, Diouf offered very little on his flank. Expected to deliver against Ethiopia, he completely missed the mark. Having little influence on the game and failing to capitalize on his opportunities, he lost possession numerous times in both matches (26 in total), some of which resulted in scoring chances for the opposition. Replaced by Nobel Mendy against Comoros, the Lions rediscovered more cohesion and combination play on the left side.

Lamine Camara

Against Mozambique and then Ethiopia, Patrick Vieira entrusted him with the keys to the game. Positioned as a deep-lying playmaker, Lamine Camara was expected to be the linchpin of Senegal's attack. Of the four halves he played, he only managed one. Perhaps hampered by the pitch, which was in a sorry state in both Maputo and Addis Ababa, the Monaco player failed to truly impact the Lions' play. While available, Camara struggled to link up with his teammates. Conversely, he was very wasteful in his passing. Against Ethiopia, he lost possession 15 times, the most of any player on the team. Against Mozambique, he lost it 14 times, the second-highest number for the Lions, behind Lamine Sy's 19.

Pape Guèye

Lost and disoriented, the Villarreal player was so in both of his starts. Despite often being a force to be reckoned with in his runs, imposing in open play, and incisive in the final third, Pape Gueye went through both matches in relative obscurity. With Lamine Camara in midfield, their partnership seemed to lack any real chemistry.