Senegal recorded their first victory under head coach Patrick Vieira with a narrow 1-0 win over Ethiopia in the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ibrahim Mbaye scored the only goal of the match in the 11th minute as the Lions of Teranga held on for three points at the Bahir Dar Stadium in Ethiopia.
The victory came four days after Senegal began their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique on 25 September.
Senegal now have four points from their opening two matches in Group J and sit second behind Mozambique, who moved to the top of the group after beating Sudan 4-1.
Vieira made several changes to his team for his second game in charge, switching from the 4-2-3-1 formation used against Mozambique to a 3-4-3 system.
Malang Sarr was handed his first start for Senegal and formed part of a three-man defence alongside Moussa Niakhaté and Sadibou Sané.
Niakhaté continued as captain in the absence of Kalidou Koulibaly, who remained on the bench.
Sadibou Sané retained his place after starting Senegal’s opening qualifying match.
Mbaye was another change to the starting XI, replacing Lamine Sy and operating as a right wing-back.
Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara and El Hadji Malick Diouf made up the rest of the midfield, while Assane Diao, Nicolas Jackson and Abdallah Sima started in attack.
Senegal made the early breakthrough when Mbaye finished in the 11th minute after Jackson created the opening with good work around the edge of the Ethiopian penalty area.
Mbaye received the ball centrally before sending a right-footed effort into the top corner beyond Ethiopia goalkeeper Abubeker Nura.
The goal gave Senegal an early advantage, but they were unable to add to it despite creating further opportunities.
Jackson was involved in several dangerous moments but could not find the net himself. His clearest chance came late in the match when he was denied by Nura in the 89th minute.
Ethiopia continued to threaten Senegal’s lead, particularly as the match progressed.
The hosts came close to equalising shortly before half-time when Fikru’s effort went narrowly wide of Y. Diouf’s right-hand post after Ethiopia had worked the ball through the Senegal defence with a three-man passing move.
The Senegal goalkeeper was also required to intervene in the 57th minute, making a save from a close-range header to preserve his side’s advantage.
Vieira responded to the growing pressure by making changes to his formation and personnel.
In the 55th minute, Idrissa Gana Gueye replaced Assane Diao as Vieira switched to a four-man defence.
Issa Soumaré and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye were then introduced in the 65th minute, with Sima and Pape Gueye making way.
As Ethiopia continued to push for an equaliser, Vieira eventually moved back to a five-man defence in the closing stages.
Pape Moussa Fall came on in the 89th minute, while Lamine Sy was introduced in added time.
Mbaye was one of Senegal’s most influential players on the night, combining his attacking contribution with his defensive role on the right side.
His runs from the flank repeatedly created problems for Ethiopia and helped provide Jackson with opportunities.
At the other end, Senegal’s defensive performance showed areas that Vieira’s side will need to improve, with Ethiopia able to create chances despite struggling to find an equaliser.
Senegal nevertheless held firm through six minutes of added time to secure their first victory of the Vieira era.
The result leaves Senegal with four points after two Group J matches and keeps them behind Mozambique in the early standings.
Vieira’s side will next face Comoros in a friendly in Marseille on 4 October before continuing their qualifying campaign.
For now, the 1-0 victory in Bahir Dar gives Senegal their first three points of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign under their new coach.
