Patrick Vieira has named a 25-man Lions squad to face Sudan on 12 and 16 November in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. Sadio Mané (Al Nassr) is absent for a happy event, while Paul Mendy (Cagliari) is called up for the first time.
Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira unveiled a 25-man squad on Thursday 5 November for the double header against Sudan on 12 and 16 November in the CAN 2027 qualifiers, Pressafrik reports. A group marked by several absences and a few returns as the two matches approach.
Among the called-up players, Sadio Mané has chosen to stay with his family because of a happy event, according to La Nouvelle Tribune. Idrissa Gana Gueye is also absent, as are Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Abdallah Sima and Ismaïla Sarr, ruled out for medical reasons, according to Foot-Africa.
Koulibaly, captain and leader
Kalidou Koulibaly remains the national team captain and, according to Africa Top Sports, is the only one of the four historic leaders present in this camp. The Al-Hilal defender therefore keeps the armband.
Around him, Vieira can count on Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye, Boulaye Dia, Moussa Niakhaté, Malang Sarr and Mamadou Sarr, named by OneFootball and Footmercato.
Paul Mendy, first call-up
Paul Mendy is the big new name on this list: he is called up to the national team for the first time, according to Footmercato and Foot-Africa.
Krépin Diatta and Dion Lopy make their return to the group, Foot-Africa reports, while Vieira has to cope with several withdrawals.
Mané, a decision accepted
Regarding Sadio Mané, Patrick Vieira was keen to explain his decision: “I had Sadio on the phone. He received his call-up, but he is expecting a happy event and has decided to stay with his family. I accepted his decision and I respect it,” he said, according to La Nouvelle Tribune. The Al Nassr forward is therefore not on the list for the two matches.
On the pitch, Senegal host Sudan on 12 November at 19:00, before the return match on 16 November at 13:00, according to Pressafrik. After two wins and a draw, Vieira hopes to make it a second successful camp in charge of the Lions, OneFootball reports.