Sadio Mane’s Senegal future in focus as Mohamed Sarr calls for patience with next generation

Sadio Mane may be approaching the final stage of his Senegal career, according to former AC Milan defender Mohamed Adama Sarr.

Speaking to Africafoot, Sarr said the Al Nassr forward had limited time remaining with the Lions of Teranga, while suggesting that responsibility would increasingly pass to a younger generation of Senegal players.

Mane will miss Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match against Sudan, giving emerging players an opportunity to take on greater responsibility. However, Sarr warned that the country’s young talents would need time to gain experience and reach the highest level.

Sarr also urged supporters to be patient with the transition. He recalled that Senegal waited several years before winning its first trophies with Mane as one of the team’s leading figures.

The former Senegal international also highlighted the importance of the match against Sudan, describing it as “a match to win”. Senegal have taken four points from their opening two games and must make the most of home advantage to strengthen their position in Group J and move closer to qualification.

Senegal are due to play Sudan in the third round of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers. Pre-match odds listed Senegal at 1.09 to win, with a draw priced at 8.00 and a Sudan victory at 16.00.