2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Moussa Niakhaté discusses the Lions of Teranga’s mindset ahead of the Mozambique match

Senegal will kick off their qualifying campaign for the next Africa Cup of Nations on 25 September.

The Lions of Teranga will play their opening match in Maputo against Mozambique. But ahead of the fixture, Moussa Niakhaté spoke about the team’s mindset under new manager Patrick Vieira.

For the Senegalese defender, there is a special atmosphere within the Senegalese squad. He explained that the players are adapting to the new coaching staff’s methods.

“For us, nothing changes, whether it’s the first match or the fifth. Nothing changes. There’s excitement, we’re very happy and we’re ready to take on the tough challenge that awaits us tomorrow.

We’re adapting, and it’s very easy to work with this coaching staff, who speak the same football language as us. I’m convinced we’ll achieve great things together. There have been a lot of changes, but what we’re seeing today is the enthusiasm and excitement brought by the new coaching staff, who are breathing new life into the team.”

Senegal’s match against Mozambique on Friday 25 September will be Patrick Vieira’s very first as manager of the Lions of Teranga.