Iliman Ndiaye joins Senegal squad but misses Mozambique qualifier

Iliman Ndiaye has joined Senegal in Maputo but will miss Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique because of suspension.

The new Manchester City player arrived in camp on Thursday evening after being the last of Patrick Vieira’s called up players to join the Lions. Despite completing the squad in Maputo, Ndiaye will not be available for Senegal’s opening qualifier.

Ndiaye is suspended for the first two matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign as a result of the red card he received in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

His arrival therefore comes mainly as part of the squad’s preparations for the remainder of the training camp. While he cannot contribute on the pitch against Mozambique, he will remain with the group as Senegal begin their qualifying campaign under Vieira.

The absence of Ndiaye is another attacking setback for the new Senegal coach. Ismaïla Sarr is also suspended and will miss the match against Mozambique.

Vieira will therefore begin his first official match in charge of the Lions without two players who would otherwise have provided attacking options.

The two suspensions mean Senegal must start their qualifying campaign without Ndiaye and Sarr, while the rest of the squad prepares for the opening Group fixture.

Ndiaye’s arrival nevertheless means the Senegal squad is now complete in Maputo. The midfielder had been the final player expected to join the group after receiving his call up from Vieira.

His presence with the squad will allow him to continue preparations despite his inability to feature in the opening two qualifying matches.

For Senegal, the immediate focus remains on Friday’s meeting with Mozambique, with the match scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM GMT.

Vieira is preparing for his first competitive match as Senegal coach, but he will have to manage the opening fixture without two attacking players because of their suspensions.

Ndiaye’s absence is therefore already confirmed for the Mozambique match, while his return to the squad provides an opportunity to remain involved in the team’s preparations despite being unable to play.

Senegal will now turn their attention to the opening qualifier, with the squad finally together in Maputo and Vieira preparing his side for the start of the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.

The arrival of Ndiaye completes the Senegalese group, but his suspension means Vieira will have to begin his competitive tenure without one of the players included in his squad.