Senegal appoint Patrick Vieira as new head coach to replace Pape Thiaw

The Lions of Teranga emerged from a very tough Group I as one of eight best third-placed teams, finishing behind France and Norway.

They then faced Belgium in the knockout rounds and looked on course to qualify for the last 16, with a two-goal advantage heading into the final minutes of the match - only for Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans to complete the comeback in injury time at the end of the match for a 3-2 defeat.

Vieira is a former France and Arsenal legend, and won the World Cup with Les Blues in 1998, but he was in fact born in Senegal

The appointment was confirmed by the Federation of Senegalese Football.

"Following deliberations, the Emergency Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Mr Patrick Vieira as head coach of Senegal's senior national team," read a FSF statement.

"This strategic choice marks a new stage in the FSF's desire to establish a high-level technical structure fully aligned with our country's sporting ambitions."

Vieira began his coaching career in the Manchester City academy following his retirement.

He has since coached New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.

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