Senegal squad: Patrick Vieira leaves out Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye

Patrick Vieira has named his second Senegal squad since taking charge, with Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye among the notable absentees for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Sudan on 12 and 16 November.

The list, announced on Thursday, also includes three unexpected attacking selections as Vieira continues to assess his options without making wholesale changes to the Senegal squad.

Brest winger Pathe Mboup is the most prominent of the new call-ups. The 23-year-old, who was developed at Dakar Sacre-Cœur and first made his name at Pau, has started all nine of his Ligue 1 appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Mboup’s pace, explosiveness and willingness to take on defenders have earned him a first senior international call-up. He has benefited from several withdrawals and could give Vieira another option in wide areas.

Clayton Diandy’s inclusion is a greater surprise. The 20-year-old right winger was born in Guinea-Bissau but developed in Senegal at Guediawaye. He now plays for Al-Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, where he has featured regularly.

Diandy has scored once and supplied one assist in nine matches this season. His statistics are modest, but his potential and progress have persuaded Senegal’s coaching staff to give him an opportunity.

The third new attacking selection is Cagliari striker Paul Mendy. The Rufisque-born forward has established himself in the club’s starting line-up in Serie A, although he has scored just one goal in 10 appearances.

Mendy’s contribution extends beyond his goals. His work rate, involvement in build-up play and ability to occupy defenders have also helped secure his place in Vieira’s plans. The three newcomers share a similar path, having all developed in Senegal before continuing their careers abroad.

Vieira has also recalled several players. Krepin Diatta returns after finding a club and regaining his fitness and match sharpness at Watford. The versatile Senegal international has played five Championship matches since moving to England, a situation Vieira discussed at his previous news conference.

Pape Demba Diop has been selected three years after winning his first and only cap. The midfielder has become part of Strasbourg’s rotation and has also started regularly. Although he has yet to make a major impact at club level this season, he has the backing of a coach in Alsace who knows his qualities well.

Dion Lopy’s return was more widely expected. The midfielder, who has been performing well for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, is back with the Lions after a lengthy absence.

Mane is unavailable for family reasons, while 37-year-old Gana Gueye, who plays for Al-Diriyah, has not been selected. Vieira has chosen to use the gathering to assess other midfield options, despite Gueye being a team-mate of Diandy.

Ismaila Sarr, Abdallah Sima, Assane Diao, Habib Diarra and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye are also unavailable. RB Leipzig winger Tidiam Gomis, whose first call-up had been expected, is absent as well, while Mamadou Diakhon of Club Bruges has not been included after a recent loss of form.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson are all in the squad as Vieira continues to renew Senegal’s options while retaining the core of the team.