Senegal v Sudan: Vieira’s side named favourites for key 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Senegal host Sudan on Thursday, 12 November, in the third round of qualifying for CAN 2027, with both sides seeking a result that would strengthen their hopes of reaching the finals.

The Group J fixture will see Senegal begin as the stronger side on paper, while Sudan will look to contain the Lions of Teranga and improve their position in the section.

Senegal

Senegal manager Patrick Vieira has selected a 25-man squad for the match. Experienced players including Kalidou Koulibaly, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Lamine Camara have been included.

Krepin Diatta and Dion Lopy return to the squad, while Pathe Mboup, Pape Demba Diop, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy have received their first call-ups.

Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye are among those missing from the selection.

Vieira is expected to name Yehvann Diouf in goal, with Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate and El Hadji Malick Diouf forming the defence.

Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr are the likely midfield choices, while Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson and Ibrahim Mbaye are expected to lead the attack.

Probable Senegal XI: Yehvann Diouf; Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf; Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr; Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye.

Sudan

Sudan have named a 24-player squad for the encounter, which will be led by Ghanaian manager James Kwesi Appiah.

Most of the squad play in the Sudanese domestic league, with Al Hilal and Al Merrikh providing a number of the selected players. The Falcons of Jediane will also rely on several footballers based abroad as they attempt to challenge Senegal.

Monged El Neel is expected to start in goal. The probable defence includes Sheddy Barglan, Mohamed Saeed Ahmed, Mustafa Karshoum and Bakhit Khames.

Ammar Taifour, Abuaagla Abdalla and Walieldin Khedr are likely to operate in midfield, while Aamir Yunis Abdallah, Mohamed Eisa and Mohammed Abdel-Rahman are the anticipated attacking options.

Probable Sudan XI: Monged El Neel; Sheddy Barglan, Mohamed Saeed Ahmed, Mustafa Karshoum, Bakhit Khames; Ammar Taifour, Abuaagla Abdalla, Walieldin Khedr; Aamir Yunis Abdallah, Mohamed Eisa, Mohammed Abdel-Rahman.

Both teams are aiming to consolidate their qualification prospects when the third round of Group J matches takes place.