Senegal coach Patrick Vieira names 25-man squad for Sudan double-header

Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira has announced a 25-man squad for the upcoming double-header against Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with experienced forward Sadio Mané once again missing from the selection.

Vieira unveiled his squad on Thursday, November 5, ahead of the two encounters scheduled for November 12 and 16, which will count towards the third and fourth matchdays of the qualifying campaign.

The continued absence of Mané is one of the major talking points surrounding the selection, with the Al-Nassr forward missing out for the second consecutive international window after also being left out of Senegal’s September-October squad.

The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich attacker remains one of the country’s most influential players, but Vieira has opted to proceed without the experienced forward for the crucial meetings against Sudan.

However, there is a boost for the Lions of Teranga with Krépin Diatta returning to the national team setup after missing the previous squad.

Vieira has also handed maiden call-ups to Pathé Mboup and Pape Demba Diop, giving the two players an opportunity to establish themselves within the senior national team.

Their inclusion highlights the French manager’s willingness to introduce fresh faces while maintaining a strong core of experienced players as Senegal continue their quest to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

The squad features several established names, including captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson.

In attack, Vieira will also count on the services of Boulaye Dia, Issa Soumaré and Ibrahim Mbaye as Senegal prepare for two important fixtures against the Sudanese side.

Senegal have made a steady start to their qualifying campaign, collecting four points from their opening two matches after recording one victory and one draw.

The double-header therefore presents Vieira’s men with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the group and move closer to securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal’s 25-man squad

Goalkeepers: Yehvann Diouf, Mory Diaw, Mamour Ndiaye.

Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, Malang Sarr, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Nobel Mendy, Sadibou Sané, Krépin Diatta, Lamine Sy.

Midfielders: Pape Gueye, Pape Demba Diop, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Dion Lopy.

Forwards: Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Clayton Diandy, Pathé Mboup, Boulaye Dia, Issa Soumaré, Ibrahim Mbaye, Paul Mendy.