Patrick Vieira is expected to recall Sadio Mane for Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Sudan, while Stade Brestois winger Pathe Mboup could receive his first senior international call-up.
Vieira’s second squad announcement is due on Thursday, ahead of the meetings with Sudan on 12 and 16 November. The Senegal manager is expected to bring back one of the team’s key leaders while continuing the rebuilding process that began during September’s fixtures.
Mane missed the previous international window because of a minor physical issue but is likely to return to the squad. The former Liverpool forward did not retire from international football after the World Cup and remains, at 34, an important part of Senegal’s plans.
His availability would give Vieira another attacking option and provide valuable experience to a group undergoing change. Vieira began his tenure without Mane for matches against Mozambique, Ethiopia and Comoros. The manager could now call on the forward’s influence for his first major appearance in front of the Dakar crowd, when Senegal host Sudan at Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor on 12 November.
Iliman Ndiaye is also expected to feature. The Manchester City player was suspended for Senegal’s first two qualifying matches before appearing in the 1-0 friendly victory over Comoros in Marseille. His inclusion would therefore represent a return to an official match under Vieira rather than a return to the squad itself.
The biggest surprise could be Mboup. Several Senegalese media outlets have reported that the 23-year-old is in line to make his debut for the senior national team.
Mboup started Stade Brestois’ first nine Ligue 1 matches of the season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His energy, ability to take on defenders and versatility on both wings would offer Vieira a different type of attacking player.
The winger previously played for Standard de Liege and Pau before joining Brest, where he appears to have established the consistency that had eluded him at the highest level. A first call-up would reward his progress, although it would not necessarily lead to an immediate prominent role.
Competition for places in Senegal’s attack remains intense, with Mane, Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye, Assane Diao and Abdallah Sima among the available options.
However, uncertainty over Ismaila Sarr could create room for Mboup. Sarr missed the previous camp and remains doubtful because of another physical concern. That could give Mboup an early opportunity to show he can become more than a squad newcomer.
Against Sudan, Vieira will have to balance the return of one of Senegal’s established figures with the introduction of a possible new attacking option.
