Patrick Vieira appointed Senegal coach as Gabon names new technical leadership

football coaching Senegal national team Gabon national team Africa Cup of Nations international football

Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal national football team, succeeding Pape Bouna Thiaw. Thiaw's departure follows the team's exit in the round of 32 during the 2026 World Cup, a period marked by internal tensions and disagreements between staff and federation officials.

Vieira is expected to be officially presented soon and will soon announce his first squad. Senegal is scheduled to face Mozambique on September 25 and Ethiopia on September 29. The transition also brings uncertainty regarding the future of several staff members associated with the 'Generation 2002'.

In Gabon, Alain Giresse has taken on the role of Technical Director (DTN) to work alongside new head coach Sébastien Migné. The duo aims to rebuild the Panthères following a difficult Africa Cup of Nations campaign and the absence of key veteran players. Gabon will begin its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Morocco on September 25 and Niger on September 29.