Ngagne Demba Thiam says Senegal integration is going well

Ngagne Demba Thiam says he is settling well into the Senegal squad after receiving his first call up to the Lions under new coach Patrick Vieira.

The 28 year old Monza goalkeeper has been selected as part of changes to the Senegal squad following Édouard Mendy’s decision to retire from international football.

Thiam is expected to be involved in Senegal’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique and Ethiopia on 25 and 29 September respectively. The Lions will then face Comoros in a friendly on 4 October.

The call up represents a new stage in Thiam’s international career, with Vieira reshaping the goalkeeping options available to him.

Mamour Ndiaye has also reportedly been selected to strengthen the competition for the starting position, while Mory Diaw is not expected to be part of the next squad. Yehvann Diouf, who plays for OGC Nice, is also expected to join the other goalkeepers called up by Vieira.

For Thiam, adapting to the national team environment has been made easier by several players already familiar to him.

The goalkeeper already knew Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, while Lamine Camara and Jackson have also been around him since his arrival with the national team.

Speaking about his early experience with the squad, Thiam said: “My integration is going well!”

The support from his team-mates has helped the goalkeeper settle into the group as he prepares for his first involvement with the Lions.

Thiam has also found an unusual connection with Vieira through their shared experience of Italian football. The Senegal coach and goalkeeper communicate in Italian, with Vieira having previously spent time at Inter Milan and Thiam having played in the Italian league.

That common background has provided another way for the two to communicate as Vieira begins his work with the goalkeeper.

Thiam’s first call up comes during a period of change for Senegal’s goalkeeping department, with Vieira assessing his options ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The goalkeeper now faces the prospect of making his first appearances with the national team during a busy international period.

Senegal’s first assignment will be against Mozambique on 25 September, followed by the meeting with Ethiopia four days later. The Lions will then conclude the period with their friendly against Comoros on 4 October.

As he begins this new chapter with Senegal, Thiam has also called on the Senegalese community in Italy to continue praying for the national team.

His message comes as he prepares to work with Vieira and the rest of the squad during his first international camp with the Lions.