Patrick Vieira is set to experience his first home match as Senegal manager when the Lions host Sudan in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on 12 November.
The Franco-Senegalese coach, appointed in September, has so far taken charge of matches away from Dakar. That wait should end with Senegal’s return to the capital, where they are expected to welcome back their supporters for the first time under Vieira.
The match will be played at Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor after the Senegalese Football Federation selected the venue as an alternative to Stade Abdoulaye-Wade. The latter is unavailable because it is being used for the Dakar Youth Olympic Games.
Senegal’s previous home arrangements had already been disrupted during the last international window. Uncertainty over the country’s stadiums led to a change in the schedule for their fixtures against Mozambique, with Senegal eventually playing in Maputo, where the sides drew 1-1.
Vieira has made no secret of his desire to experience a match in Dakar.
“It’s an important moment. I can’t wait to discover the atmosphere and the support of the fans,” he told Wiwsport recently.
However, the choice of venue has not completely settled the issue. The condition of the pitch at Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor had raised concerns in recent weeks, and the stadium was closed after the African Champions League match between Teungueth FC and Colombe Sportive du Dja on 18 October.
No further fixture is scheduled at the ground before Sudan’s visit. The period without competitive football is intended to give maintenance teams time to regenerate the playing surface and prepare it to meet international standards.
The Senegalese Ministry of Sports announced in September that an enhanced maintenance programme would be introduced, including technical supervision and daily monitoring. A return to Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor had already been considered for September, although questions remain over whether the stadium can withstand a demanding schedule.
The pitch will be particularly important for Vieira’s approach. The former midfielder is seeking to build a Senegal side that can play out from the back cleanly and take the initiative. A poor surface could restrict those ambitions, as it did in Maputo.
The Sudan fixture also carries significance in the qualification campaign. Senegal are currently second in their group, behind Sudan, their next opponents. After an uneven start against Mozambique and a narrow first victory in Ethiopia, returning to Dakar with public support and a reliable pitch would offer Senegal three clear advantages.
The remaining challenge is to ensure the grass is ready by 12 November.