Head coach Patrick Vieira has named Al-Hilal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in his squad for the double header against Sudan. Al-Nassr forward Sadio Mané, absent for a happy family event, and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye are not on the list.
Patrick Vieira has unveiled his squad for Senegal’s two matches against Sudan, on 12 and 16 November, in the CAF 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Lions’ head coach has recalled Kalidou Koulibaly, who was absent from the September matches, while Sadio Mané and Idrissa Gana Gueye are not among the selected players.
The return of the Al-Hilal centre-back is the main change in this squad, but the Al-Nassr forward also misses his second consecutive international window.
Koulibaly, the main change
Kalidou Koulibaly’s return is the main change in this squad. The Al-Hilal centre-back missed the September matches and is back in the Senegal group.
Several other players are among the call-ups: Iliman Ndiaye (Manchester City), Boulaye Dia (Stade Rennais), Pape Matar Sarr (Juventus) and Lamine Camara (AS Monaco). Aston Villa forward Ibrahim Mbaye is also part of the group, according to avfc.co.uk.
The squad began gathering on Monday at the Terrou-Bi hotel in Diamniadio, where nine Lions reported, including Iliman Ndiaye, Nobel Mendy, Mory Diaw and Pape Demba Diop, according to Wiwsport via footafrica.net.
Mané and Gana Gueye left out
Sadio Mané is not in the squad. The Al-Nassr forward chose to stay with his family for a happy event, a decision accepted by the head coach. “His wish was to stay close to his family, and I accepted that choice,” Patrick Vieira told MatchPreview via footafrica.net. This absence is his second consecutive international window.
Idrissa Gana Gueye, 37, is also absent from the squad. The midfielder is not among Vieira’s call-ups.
Reinforcements after withdrawals
Patrick Vieira had to adjust his group because of injuries. Arouna Sangante was called up as cover after Krépin Diatta withdrew, having gone off injured in the Championship at the weekend, according to africasoccer.com. Massire Sylla had already replaced Mamadou Sarr, who has a calf injury.
The first match, Senegal – Sudan, is set for 12 November at 19:00 GMT; the second, Sudan – Senegal, for 16 November at 13:00 GMT.