Senegal faces major setback as Sadio Mané withdraws from World Cup qualifiers
Senegal’s national football team has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the 3rd and 4th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month. The team will be without its star player, Sadio Mané, due to injury.
Official Confirmation from Senegalese Football Federation
On Monday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) issued a press release confirming Mané’s withdrawal.
The FSF stated that the Al-Nassr winger was “injured at the club and arrived in the selection with pain in the right knee.”
Mané was forced off the pitch during the Saudi Arabian King’s Cup final against Al-Hilal on Friday, a match that ended 1-1 and was decided 5-4 on penalties.
Medical Assessment and Diagnosis
Following the match, Mané underwent medical examinations on Sunday.
These tests revealed “a lesion in the aponeuroses of the biceps femoris and the lateral gastrocnemius,” according to the FSF’s statement.
This diagnosis confirmed that Mané would be unable to participate in Senegal’s upcoming fixtures.
Impact on Upcoming Matches
As a result of the injury, Mané will miss the crucial qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday in Diamniadio and against Mauritania on Sunday in Nouakchott.
The absence of Mané, a two-time African Ballon d’Or winner, is a significant setback for the team, which relies heavily on his experience and skill.
Additional Injury Concerns
The FSF also reported concerns over another key player, Arouna Sanganté.
The central defender from Le Havre is experiencing pain in his calves and is currently under medical supervision.
The federation has yet to confirm his availability for the upcoming matches.
Conclusion
The loss of Sadio Mané comes at a critical time for Senegal as they navigate the early stages of the World Cup qualifiers.
The team’s ability to adapt and perform without their star player will be put to the test in the forthcoming fixtures against the DRC and Mauritania.
As fans and supporters await further updates, the focus remains on the national team’s resilience and depth in the face of this challenging situation.
OFFICIEL : Sadio Mane est forfait pour les rencontres face à la RDC et la Mauritanie. ❌
📸 : @laloumance pic.twitter.com/aInPc4sX8e
— Joueurs SN 🇸🇳 (@JoueursSN) June 3, 2024
