Senegal coach Patrick Vieira is expected to recall Sadio Mané for the Teranga Lions’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan, with forward Pathé Mboup also in contention for a possible first senior international call-up.
Vieira is due to announce his second squad on Thursday ahead of the matches scheduled for 12 and 16 November, as Senegal continue their preparations for the continental qualifying campaign.
Mané is among the expected returnees after missing the previous squad because of injury.
The 34-year-old remains an important figure for the national team and is expected to provide Vieira with experience as he continues to reshape the squad.
The former Liverpool forward has not retired from international football following the World Cup and could now return to the team for the first time under Vieira.
The coach began his tenure without Mané, overseeing matches against Mozambique, Ethiopia and Comoros. His potential return would offer Senegal an experienced attacking option ahead of their first meeting with Sudan on 12 November.
That match will be played at the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor Stadium in Dakar, giving Vieira an opportunity to lead the national team in front of the home supporters for the first time.
Iliman Ndiaye is also expected to feature in the coach’s plans. The forward missed Senegal’s first two qualifying matches through suspension but subsequently played in the team’s 1-0 friendly victory over Comoros in Marseille.
His inclusion would therefore give him the opportunity to make his first appearance in an official match under Vieira’s leadership.
However, one of the biggest talking points surrounding the expected squad announcement is the possible inclusion of Mboup.
The 23-year-old Stade Brestois winger is reportedly in line for his first senior call-up after making progress in French football.
Mboup has started each of Brest’s first nine Ligue 1 matches, scoring twice and providing one assist.
His work rate, creativity and ability to operate on either flank are understood to make him an attractive option for Vieira.
Competition for places in Senegal’s attack remains strong, with Mané, Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye, Assane Diao and Abdallah Sima among the available options.
The fitness of Ismaïla Sarr could also influence Vieira’s selection. Sarr missed the previous squad and remains a doubt, potentially creating an opening for Mboup to earn his opportunity.
Senegal’s two meetings with Sudan will offer Vieira another opportunity to assess his squad and develop the balance between established international figures and emerging players.
