Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has announced his squad, introducing six new players to the team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Sudan and Togo next week
Among the fresh faces are Assane Diao (Como), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Yehvann Diouf (Reims), Ilay Camara (Standard Liège), Cheikh Niasse (Hellas Verona), and Richard Sagna (AS Douanes)
The Taranga Lions of Senegal will play host to Sudan on March 22 before traveling to face Togo on March 25 in the fifth and sixth rounds of the qualifiers.
This squad marks the beginning of a new era for the Lions of Teranga, with Thiaw looking to integrate younger talents following injuries and the aging of some key players from the squad that won the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
Assane Diao, who has been impressive for Como in the Serie A leads the youngers drafted into the team for the qualifiers.
In addition to Diao and Diouf, Antoine Mendy (Nice), Ilay Camara (Standard Liège), Cheikh Niasse (Hellas Verona), and Richard Sagna (AS Douanes) have all been called up for the first time.
Sagna is the only home-based player in the squad, earning his place after standout performances in Senegal’s domestic league.
Meanwhile, Moussa Ndiaye (Anderlecht) returns to the squad for the first time since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
With Senegal currently aiming to secure early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these matches against Sudan and Togo will be crucial in solidifying their position at the top of their group.
Seneagl currently sit second in Group B, accumulating 8 points, two behind leaders Sudan after four matches.
