Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has named a 25-man squad for the Lions of Teranga’s two-legged 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Sudan, with Sadio Mané again missing from the selection.
The Al-Nassr forward has been overlooked for the upcoming fixtures on 12 and 16 November, having also missed Senegal’s previous international camp in September and October.
Vieira, who announced his squad on Thursday, 5 November, has introduced fresh faces into the team while welcoming back several players, including winger Krépin Diatta.
Pathé Mboup, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy are among the new faces included in the squad, while midfielder Pape Demba Diop also returns to the group.
The selection offers an opportunity for the newcomers to establish themselves in the national team as Senegal continue their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Mboup and Diop have been specifically identified as first-time call-ups to the Lions of Teranga, while Diop’s inclusion also represents a return to the group after previously receiving a call-up.
The absence of Mané remains one of the biggest talking points surrounding Vieira’s latest selection.
The experienced forward has been a prominent figure in Senegalese football, but his continued omission means the coach will have to work with other attacking options for the two encounters against Sudan.
Among those available are Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson and Boulaye Dia, who are expected to provide attacking alternatives.
Ibrahim Mbaye, Issa Soumaré and the newly included Pathé Mboup, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy also feature in the forward department.
Senegal will, however, retain much of their established core, with captain Kalidou Koulibaly included alongside Moussa Niakhaté, Malang Sarr and El Hadji Malick Diouf in defence.
In midfield, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr and Dion Lopy are among the players selected to provide Vieira with options for the upcoming fixtures.
The return of Krépin Diatta is another notable development, strengthening the coach’s selection as Senegal prepare for the next stage of their qualifying campaign.
The Lions of Teranga have made a positive start to their 2027 AFCON qualification journey, recording one victory and one draw in their opening two matches.
They will now look to build on that record when they face Sudan twice during the November international window.
The first encounter is scheduled for 12 November, with the return fixture taking place on 16 November.
With 25 players selected, Vieira will be hoping his squad can deliver the results needed to maintain Senegal’s progress towards the continental tournament.
The latest selection also provides an opportunity to assess the country’s emerging talent while relying on the experience of established internationals as the qualification campaign gathers momentum.
Senegal’s 25-man squad for the Sudan fixtures
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.1
