Four days after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Mozambique in Maputo, Patrick Vieira wanted « to take the three points ». Job done. On Tuesday in Bahir Dar, the Lions of Teranga beat Ethiopia 1-0 on matchday two of Group J.
Vieira had promised changes. A back three, a first Senegal appearance for Malang Sarr, Assane Diao at right wing-back and a front trio of Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson and Abdallah Sima. It paid off quickly: in the 11th minute, Mbaye, set up by Jackson, curled the ball into the top corner. After that? Not much. The Walyas played without fear, and the reigning African champions had to protect their slender lead to the end. France 24 counted just three shots on target despite 61% possession.
« We could have done better »
Vieira did not dress it up. « Overall, when we had the ball, we could have done better. That’s an area to improve. But it was very difficult with the state of the pitch, » he said, as quoted by Sans Limites. He also regretted a lack of attacking aggression, while praising his side’s discipline and the confidence the win brings.
Senegal have four points, level with Mozambique, who beat Sudan 4-1 and top the group on goal difference. Next up is Sudan on November 11. Put simply, the win is there. The team’s identity is not, yet.