Patrick Vieira hands Senegal debut call-up to Union Saint-Gilloise defender Massire Sylla

Senegal manager Patrick Vieira has called up Union Saint-Gilloise defender Massire Sylla for the first time, making him the 12th new player to join the squad since Vieira took charge.

The 21-year-old replaces Mamadou Sarr, who has been ruled out after suffering a left calf injury while with Real Sociedad.

The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed on Sunday that Sylla will join the squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Sudan on 12 and 16 November.

Sylla has impressed Vieira’s coaching staff with his performances for Union Saint-Gilloise this season. He has started 16 of the club’s 17 matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Born in Dakar, Sylla was developed by Diambars before spells with Pau and Norwegian club Lyn. He can play on either side of central defence and is also capable of operating as a defensive midfielder.

His call-up continues the renewal of the Senegal squad under Vieira and takes the number of players given their first opportunity with the national team during his tenure to 12.

Ngagne Demba Thiam of Monza, Mamour Ndiaye of Saint-Etienne, Malang Sarr of Neom, Sadibou Sane of Monaco, Arouna Sangante of Sevilla, Lamine Sy of Auxerre, Issa Soumare of Rennes and Pape Moussa Fall of Metz were introduced during the previous international break.

Pathe Mboup of Brest, Clayton Diandy of Al-Diriyah and Paul Mendy of Cagliari were then included in the initial squad for the current week’s international duty.

Sylla will now have the chance to make his first appearance for Senegal if selected during the two matches against Sudan.