Senegal hand Arouna Sangante late call-up for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Senegal have handed Sevilla FC defender Arouna Sangante a late call-up to their squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan following an injury setback.

The Teranga Lions are dealing with several absences ahead of their Matchday Three and Four encounters, forcing head coach Pape Thiaw to make further adjustments to his squad.

Sangante’s invitation was confirmed by his club, Sevilla FC, on Monday, November 9, as Senegal seek to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the two crucial fixtures.

The centre-back has been called up to replace Krépin Diatta, who has been ruled out after picking up an injury during the weekend.

Diatta sustained the setback in Watford’s Championship meeting with Middlesbrough on Saturday, November 7, and was forced off after just 14 minutes of action.

His withdrawal represents another setback for the Senegalese technical team, which had already been forced to make changes following the injury to Mamadou Sarr.

Massiré Sylla was previously brought into the squad to replace Sarr, while Sangante’s inclusion provides another option as the African champions prepare for their upcoming assignments.

Senegal will face Sudan on Thursday, November 12, before the two sides meet again on Monday, November 16, in the double-header scheduled for the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Teranga Lions will be hoping to navigate the injury concerns and maintain their strong position in the qualifying campaign as they target another appearance at the continental showpiece.