Pape Thiaw expected to field four-man attack as Senegal eye crucial win over South Sudan

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is set to deploy an aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation when his side take on South Sudan in Juba on Friday, with Iliman Ndiaye expected to operate behind striker Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr providing width on the flanks.

The fixture, scheduled for 13:00 GMT, could see the Lions of Teranga take a decisive step toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A victory over South Sudan, combined with a potential setback for the DR Congo against Togo, would all but secure Senegal’s place in the global tournament.

However, Thiaw faces significant selection challenges ahead of this crucial encounter.

Ismail Jakobs remains unavailable as Galatasaray have not released him for international duty, while Lamine Camara and Habib Diarra both withdrew from the squad due to injury.

Midfielder Pape Alassane Gueye is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the qualifiers against DR Congo.

Although Pathé Ciss has returned to fitness, he is unlikely to start the match.

Given these absences, Thiaw is expected to revert to a system that has brought success in the past.

The 4-2-3-1 shape, often favoured early in his tenure, provides a strong balance between attack and midfield stability.

Iliman Ndiaye, who thrives in a central creative role, is tipped to be the link between midfield and attack.

Flanking him will be the experienced duo of Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr, whose pace and directness have consistently troubled opponents.

Up front, Nicolas Jackson is expected to lead the line, offering movement and clinical finishing — a combination that proved effective in the team’s October and November fixtures last year.

In midfield, Pape Matar Sarr and Idrissa Gueye are likely to form the central pairing, tasked with maintaining control and dictating the tempo.

🇸🇸🇸🇳 Soudan du Sud vs Sénégal : Voici le Onze probable des Lions !
✅ D’accord, ou pas ?#FIFAWorldCup #wiwsport #Senegal pic.twitter.com/esZCaVhL3U

— wiwsport (@wiwsport) October 9, 2025

The defensive unit should remain unchanged, with Krepin Diatta at right-back, Kalidou Koulibaly partnering Moussa Niakhaté in central defence, and El Hadji Malick Diouf on the left.

Edouard Mendy is set to continue as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

Despite the missing players, optimism remains high within the Senegalese camp.

The attacking balance of Ndiaye, Mané, Sarr, and Jackson could prove decisive in breaking down South Sudan’s resistance as Senegal aim to seal their passage to another World Cup.

A victory in Juba would keep Thiaw’s side firmly in control of their qualification destiny, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s top contenders for 2026.