Vieira: Senegal Lacked Rhythm Despite Comfortable AFCON Win Over Sudan

Vieira praises Senegal second-half display after Sudan win

Massire Sylla and Paul Mendy made their Senegal debuts in the 4-1 AFCON qualifying win over Sudan, with both debutants describing an emotional night.

Senegal claimed their second win in AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 4-1 victory over Sudan, after Jackson opened the scoring and Dia...

Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has given his own verdict after the Lions of Teranga cruised to a 4-1 matchday three win in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Sudan at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium on Thursday.

The Lions of Teranga turned on the style in the second half to claim all three points, with Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye and substitute Pathe Mboup adding to Nicolas Jackson's first-half opener.

Jackson kept up his fine scoring run in the qualifiers, opening the scoring to put Senegal deservedly 1-0 ahead.

Sudan refused to fold, though, and hit back just before the break. In the 45th minute, Walieldin Khidir teed up Mohamed Abuaagla, who finished calmly to level at 1-1 heading into half-time.

The hosts moved back in front in the 61st minute when El Hadji Malick Diouf set up Boulaye Dia, who applied a clinical finish to make it 2-1.

Just three minutes later, Senegal struck again. Ndiaye turned provider, laying on Ibrahim Mbaye for the third goal in the 64th minute to open up a comfortable two-goal cushion.

Senegal wrapped up the display in the 86th minute when Pape Matar Sarr found substitute Mboup, who slotted home calmly to seal a comprehensive 4-1 win.

🔚 Grâce à des buts de Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye et Pathé Mboup, le Sénégal s’impose 4-1 face au Soudan, dans le cadre de la 3e journée des éliminatoires de la CAN 2027. Une belle victoire des Lions qui signent leur retour au stade Léopold Sédar Senghor de la plus belle des manières. #CAN2027Q

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) November 12, 2026

Vieira pleased with second-half response

Vieira was happy with how his side reacted after the break, even if the first-half display left room for improvement: “I think we were very good in the second half. We lacked a bit of rhythm in the first half, especially in our ball movement. In the second half, we increased our pace, which allowed us to create opportunities and score those goals,” said Vieira as quoted by Wiw Sports.

“The players who came on in the second half brought quality and energy. That’s how you build a great team. That’s also Senegal’s strength, with the quality of their squad.

“After scoring, we fell into a rhythm where we became a bit complacent, and the opposition took advantage. There’s still progress to be made in managing the result.”

On the overall performance, Vieira said: “Regarding the game plan we wanted to implement today, I’m very pleased. There are still areas for improvement, but we’re on the right path.”

Massire Sylla, who was making his Senegal debut, spoke of his pride at reaching the milestone: “I’m very happy because it was a dream to come to the national team.

“Now that I’ve succeeded in this first step, we’ll continue to work and learn from the greats for the future. It means a lot to me.”

“The atmosphere in the den is great. You can’t even tell the veterans from the younger players. They’re very kind to us, and I’m really happy.

“I'm happy to have been able to be there for the fans. It was really fantastic. I didn’t imagine such enthusiasm for my first call-up. It was magnificent.”

Diouf: Senegal targeting top spot in group

Goalkeeper Yehawann Diouf, who stepped in for regular starter Mory Diaw, stressed that qualification as group winners is the main aim: “We’re obviously happy. Senegal’s objective is to finish first in the group and qualify for the AFCON.

“After that, the performance is important, but the result is paramount. We were sometimes too stretched out or too far apart. We needed a bit more movement, a bit more intensity and pace to achieve what we wanted.”

On conceding against Sudan, Diouf said: “As a goalkeeper and defender, you don’t like conceding goals. But if we wanted to keep clean sheets in every match, we would.”

“After that, the performance is important, but the result is paramount. We were sometimes too stretched out or too far apart. We needed a bit more movement, a bit more intensity and pace to achieve what we wanted.”

Another debutant, Paul Mendy, reflected on an emotional night after the game: “It’s very emotional. I’m very happy with the team’s performance and this victory. I’m also happy to have played my first minutes. I tried to do what the coach expected of me.”

Senegal have now picked up two wins in the qualifiers, having beaten Ethiopia 1-0 following their 1-1 opening draw with Mozambique.