Patrick Vieira names Senegal squad for Sudan qualifiers without Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gueye

Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan, with Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye among the notable absentees.

Vieira announced his selection on Thursday at the King Fahd Palace ahead of the two encounters scheduled for November 12 and 16.

The squad features several new faces, with Pathé Mboup, Pape Demba Diop, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy receiving their first international call-ups.

There are also returns for experienced players Krépin Diatta and Dion Lopy, who have been included after missing previous selections.

Vieira has largely maintained the core of the squad from the previous international break while introducing fresh options as Senegal prepare for their two meetings with Sudan.

The decision to leave out Idrissa Gana Gueye is among the biggest talking points from the announcement, with the experienced midfielder missing from the list alongside former captain Sadio Mane.

Several young players have retained their places, including Mamour Ndiaye, Lamine Sy, Nobel Mendy and Sadibou Sané, as Vieira continues to give opportunities to emerging talents within the national team.

However, the Senegal coach will also be without a number of players because of injury concerns. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Abdallah Sima and Ismaïla Sarr have all been ruled out for medical reasons.

Another notable omission is goalkeeper Ngagne Demba Thiam, who has lost his starting position at Italian club AC Monza.

Vieira has also decided against including Arouna Sanganté, Rassoul Ndiaye and Mamadou Diakhon in the squad for the November fixtures.

The selection combines established internationals with younger players hoping to make an impression as Senegal continue their preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

In defence, Kalidou Koulibaly will provide experience alongside Moussa Niakhaté, Mamadou Sarr, Malang Sarr and the returning Krépin Diatta.

The midfield department includes Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr and Dion Lopy, while Pape Demba Diop also earns an opportunity to represent the senior national team.

Up front, Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Iliman Ndiaye and Issa Soumaré are among the attacking options selected by Vieira. Newcomers Pathé Mboup, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy have also been handed opportunities.

Senegal will first travel to face Sudan on November 12 before hosting the return encounter on November 16 as they look to strengthen their position in the race for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal’s 26-man squad for the Sudan matches

Goalkeepers: Yehvann Diouf (OGC Nice), Mamour Ndiaye (AS Saint-Etienne), Mory Diaw (Al-Shabab).

Defenders: Mamadou Sarr (Real Sociedad), Moussa Niakhaté (Lyon), Sadibou Sané (AS Monaco), Nobel Mendy (Hull City), Malang Sarr (NEOM), El Hadji Malick Diouf (Brentford), Lamine Sy (AJ Auxerre), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal), Krépin Diatta (Watford).

Midfielders: Lamine Camara (AS Monaco), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Pape Matar Sarr (Juventus), Dion Lopy (Al-Ittihad), Pape Demba Diop (Strasbourg).

Forwards: Nicolas Jackson (Aston Villa), Ibrahim Mbaye (Aston Villa), Boulaye Dia (Stade Rennais), Iliman Ndiaye (Manchester City), Pathé Mboup (Stade Brestois), Clayton Diandy (Al-Diriyah), Paul Mendy (Cagliari), Issa Soumaré (Stade Rennais).