Senegal have announced the appointment of Patrick Vieira as the new head coach of its male national team.
The appointment of Vieira was announced by the Senegal Football Federation on Tuesday.
The 50-year-old coach replaces Pape Thiaw who was sacked in July following the country’s below-par performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Senegal managed to reach the round of 32 stage as one of the best third-placed nations, and spectacularly crashed out to Belgium.
The Teranga Lions snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with a 3-2 loss in extra-time after surrendering a two-goal lead it held with four minutes of the match left.
Thiaw paid the price, and the FSF revealed Vieira was unanimously selected by its Emergency Committee at its meeting held on Monday.
The FSF also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the national team gets a high-level technical crew as the nation begins preparations to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament which it remains its champions pending the case at the court of arbitration for sports.
‘Following its deliberations, the Emergency Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Patrick VIEIRA as Head Coach of the Senegal ‘A’ National Team.
‘This strategic decision marks a new stage in the FSF’s commitment to establishing a high-level technical staff, fully aligned with our country’s sporting ambitions.
‘Discussions regarding the administrative and contractual arrangements for his assumption of office are continuing between the parties.’
Vieira, without a job since November last year and in his first role as national team manager, will lead Senegal against Mozambique, Sudan, and Ethiopia in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.