Patrick Vieira leaves Sadio Mane out of first Senegal squad

Patrick Vieira has omitted Sadio Mane from his first Senegal squad, although the former captain has not announced his retirement from international football.

Vieira, appointed as the new head coach of the Lions of Teranga after replacing Pape Thiaw, named his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia. Senegal will then face Comoros in a friendly in Marseille.

The Frenchman’s appointment begins a new era after Senegal’s disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended with a 3-2 defeat by Belgium in the last 16. Vieira is expected to rebuild the side while retaining several of its established leaders.

Mane absent as Gueye returns

Mane, the Al Nassr forward, is the most notable omission from the squad. However, captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye remain included.

Pape Gueye has also been recalled after temporarily stepping away from international football following the World Cup. He had said he would not return while the previous coaching staff remained in charge.

With Edouard Mendy having retired from international football, Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf is among the leading candidates to become Senegal’s new first-choice goalkeeper.

There has been no official announcement from Mane that he has ended his international career. A fabricated message claiming that he had retired circulated after the World Cup and was subsequently reported by several media outlets as genuine.

Vieira is expected to provide further details about his decision to leave the former Senegal captain out of his first squad.

First call-up for Malang Sarr

Another notable inclusion is Malang Sarr, who has received his first call-up for Senegal. The former Newcastle defender joins a group of players based in European leagues, including Hull City’s Noble Mendy, Monaco’s Sadibou Sane and Arouna Sangante.

Iliman Ndiaye, Lamine Camara and Ibrahim Mbaye are also included, while Rennes forward Issa Soumare has been selected despite strong competition for places in attack.

Pape Demba Diop and Pathe Ciss were not chosen for the forthcoming camp.

Senegal squad

Goalkeepers: Yehvann Diouf, Mory Diaw, Ngan Demba Thiam, Mamour Ndiaye.

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Noble Mendy, Malang Sarr, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, Sadibou Sane, Arouna Sangante, Lamine Sy.

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Alassane Gueye, Lamine Camara, Rassoul Ndiaye, Bara Sabouko Ndiaye, Pape Matar Sarr.

Forwards: Ibrahim Mbaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Abdallah Sima, Assane Diao, Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Issa Soumare, Mamadou Diakhon, Pape Moussa Fall.