Sadio Mane set for Senegal return as Patrick Vieira considers Pathe Mboup surprise

Senegal manager Patrick Vieira is expected to recall Sadio Mane for the upcoming double-header against Sudan, while Stade Brestois winger Pathe Mboup could receive his first senior call-up.

Vieira’s second squad announcement is due on Thursday ahead of the Senegal-Sudan fixtures on 12 and 16 November in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. The manager is likely to welcome back the team’s leading figure while continuing the reshaping of the squad which began in September.

Mane missed the previous international camp because of a physical problem, but the 34-year-old is expected to return to the Senegal squad. The former Liverpool forward has not retired from international football since the World Cup and remains a central part of the national team’s plans.

His return would give Vieira another attacking option, as well as an experienced voice within a squad undergoing transition. Vieira began his tenure without Mane for matches against Mozambique, Ethiopia and Comoros. He could now call on the forward for his first major appearance in front of the Dakar crowd, with Senegal due to face Sudan at the Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor on 12 November.

Iliman Ndiaye is also set to feature. The Manchester City player was suspended for Senegal’s first two qualifying matches before taking part in the 1-0 friendly win against Comoros in Marseille. His inclusion would therefore represent a return to an official match under Vieira rather than a return to the squad itself.

The biggest surprise could be the promotion of Mboup. Several Senegalese media outlets have reported that the 23-year-old winger is in line to make his senior international debut.

Mboup started each of the first nine rounds of Ligue 1, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His energy, willingness to take on defenders and ability to operate on either flank would give Vieira a different attacking profile. After spells including time at Standard de Liege and Pau, the Senegal international appears to have found the consistency that had previously eluded him at the highest level.

A first call-up would recognise his development, although it would not guarantee him a significant role immediately. Competition for attacking places remains intense, with Mane, Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye, Assane Diao and Abdallah Sima all among the options available to Senegal.

Ismaila Sarr’s fitness could nevertheless create an opening. He missed the previous camp and remains uncertain because of another physical issue. That could provide Mboup with an early opportunity to show he can become more than a new face in the squad.

Against Sudan, Vieira will have to balance the return of one of Senegal’s established leaders with the introduction of a potential new attacking option, combining immediate requirements with the longer-term development of the team.