Senegal: Vieira set to introduce new faces as Sarr and Ndiaye miss Africa Cup qualifiers

Patrick Vieira is expected to name several new players in his first Senegal squad, with Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye unavailable for the opening matches of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign.

Vieira’s first selection as Senegal manager is due to be announced on Friday. The Lions begin their qualifying programme against Mozambique in Dakar on 25 September before travelling to Ethiopia four days later.

Sarr and Ndiaye will miss both fixtures after being suspended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their conduct towards the referee during the most recent Africa Cup of Nations final.

The two attackers could, however, return to the squad for Senegal’s friendly against Comoros in Marseille on 4 October. Vieira may also decide to manage their workload after both players experienced a busy and unsettled transfer window.

The first squad of the former France and Manchester City midfielder is expected to provide an early indication of his plans for Senegal. The team’s World Cup campaign ended in the last 16, and Vieira is understood to be keen to refresh the squad gradually while retaining its established leaders.

One player in line for his senior debut is Sadibou Sane. The 22-year-old central defender moved from FC Metz to AS Monaco during the summer in a transfer reported to be worth about 10m euros and has quickly established himself at his new club.

Sane’s strength in one-on-one challenges, aerial ability and composure when bringing the ball out from defence have helped him attract attention. He was part of the Senegal side that won the 2023 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations, although he made only a limited contribution during the tournament. His progress now appears to have earned him an opportunity with the senior team.

Lamine Sy could also receive his first call-up. The AJ Auxerre right-back was already being monitored by the previous Senegal coaching staff and was included among the reserves before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

His potential inclusion would address a clear shortage at right-back. Ilay Camara is sidelined with a foot injury, Antoine Mendy is recovering from a ruptured cruciate ligament and Krepin Diatta is currently without a club.

Sy, 24, has been playing regularly in Ligue 1 and offers the profile of a natural wide defender who could bring greater stability to the right side of the team.

Nobel Mendy, meanwhile, is expected to return to the Senegal squad. The 22-year-old defender, now with Hull City, made his senior debut in March and can operate either in central defence or at left-back.

A physical problem suffered at the end of August initially caused concern, but the former Betis player has since returned to action. His availability would give Vieira more defensive options while continuing the process of introducing younger players into a department still heavily reliant on its long-serving figures.

Vieira’s first squad is unlikely to represent a complete overhaul. Instead, it should combine Senegal’s established core with a number of players whose recent progress has put them in contention. Sane, Sy and Mendy could become the first beneficiaries of the new manager’s approach.

The opening match of the Vieira era will also have a particular setting. Senegal are due to return to Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor for the meeting with Mozambique, the historic ground the Lions have not used in recent years.