Patrick Vieira could finally lead Senegal in front of a home crowd when the Lions host Sudan on 12 November in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Vieira, appointed Senegal manager in September, has so far overseen his first matches away from Dakar. That is expected to change with the Sudan fixture, after the Senegalese Football Federation selected Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor as the venue.

The decision follows the unavailability of Stade Abdoulaye-Wade, which is being used for the Dakar Youth Olympic Games. It should allow Senegal to return to the capital and reconnect with their supporters.

The team’s previous meeting with Mozambique was affected by uncertainty over the country’s stadiums, with the order of the fixtures changed. Senegal ultimately played in Maputo, where they drew 1-1.

Vieira has already spoken about his desire to experience a major Senegal home occasion.

“It is an important moment. I cannot wait to discover the atmosphere and the support of the fans,” he recently told Wiwsport.

Pitch concerns remain

Although a venue has been identified, the stadium’s playing surface remains a concern. Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor was closed after the African Champions League match between Teungueth FC and Colombe Sportive du Dja on 18 October.

No further matches are expected to take place there before Sudan’s visit. The break from competitive football is intended to give maintenance teams time to regenerate the pitch and prepare a surface that meets international requirements.

Senegal’s sports ministry announced in September that a strengthened maintenance programme would be introduced, including technical supervision and daily monitoring.

A return to Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor had already been considered for September, but questions remain over whether the stadium can withstand a demanding schedule.

The condition of the pitch could also affect Vieira’s approach. The Franco-Senegalese coach is seeking to build a side that can play out from the back cleanly and take the initiative. A damaged surface could hinder those plans, as it did during the match in Maputo.

The fixture is also significant in the qualification campaign. Senegal are provisionally second in their group, behind Sudan, their forthcoming opponents.

After an unconvincing start against Mozambique and a narrow first win in Ethiopia, Senegal would benefit from returning to Dakar, having their supporters behind them and playing on a pitch in suitable condition.

The remaining challenge is to ensure the grass is ready by 12 November.