Patrick Vieira leaves Sadio Mane out of first Senegal squad

Patrick Vieira has omitted captain Sadio Mane from his first Senegal squad since taking charge of the national team, although the Al Nassr forward has not announced his international retirement.

Vieira, who replaced Pape Thiaw as manager of the Teranga Lions, named a 29-man squad for Senegal’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Mozambique and Ethiopia, followed by a friendly against Comoros in Marseille.

The Frenchman’s appointment begins a new era after Senegal suffered a disappointing World Cup campaign, losing 3-2 to Belgium in the last 16. Vieira is expected to rebuild the side while retaining several of its established leaders.

Mane absent as Gueye returns

Mane is the most notable omission from the squad, while experienced players including Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye have kept their places.

Pape Gueye has also been recalled. He had announced a temporary international retirement after the World Cup, on the condition that the previous coaching staff remained in charge.

In goal, Nice goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf is among the new options and is expected to challenge for the starting position following Edouard Mendy’s international retirement.

Mane has made no official statement that he has ended his Senegal career. A fake message claiming that he had retired circulated after the World Cup and was subsequently reported by several media outlets as genuine.

Vieira is expected to offer further clarification over his decision to leave the former Senegal captain out of the squad.

Malang Sarr receives first call-up

The squad also includes a first senior international call-up for Malang Sarr, the former Newcastle defender.

He joins a group of players based in European leagues, including Hull City’s Nobel Mendy, Monaco defender Sadibou Sane and Arouna Sangante. Iliman Ndiaye, Lamine Camara and Ibrahim Mbaye have also been selected.

Rennes forward Ismaila Soumare is another inclusion, in a decision that may come as a surprise given the competition for places in Senegal’s attacking positions.

Pape Demba Diop and Baty Sisse have not been included in the squad for the next camp.

Senegal will face Mozambique on 25/09, Ethiopia on 29/09 and Comoros on 04/10.

Senegal squad

Goalkeepers: Yehvann Diouf, Mory Diaw, Serigne Diop, Mameur Ndiaye.

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Nobel Mendy, Malang Sarr, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Moussa Niakhate, Mamadou Sarr, Sadibou Sane, Arouna Sangante, Lamine Sy.

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Alassane Gueye, Lamine Camara, Rassoul Ndiaye, Bara Sabouko Ndiaye, Pape Matar Sarr.

Forwards: Ibrahim Mbaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, Abdallah Sima, Assane Diao, Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Issa Soumare, Mamadou Diallo, Pape Moussa Fall.