On the eve of Senegal v Sudan, AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara discusses his first visit to the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, where the Lions return after eight years away.
The Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar hosts the Lions once again, after an eight-year absence. Head coach Patrick Vieira welcomes Sudan there this Thursday, 12 November 2026 at 19:00 GMT, for matchday 3 of Group J in the qualifiers.
Among the 25 players selected by Vieira is Lamine Camara, the AS Monaco midfielder. He has never yet played in this venue, as he revealed at a press conference, according to wiwsport.
“An immense pride” at a first
“It’s an immense pride, we know that a lot of history has been written in this legendary stadium. We are proud to come back here and play a qualifying match in front of our supporters,” he told wiwsport.
He also addressed the expectations around his performances for the national team: “What happens in Monaco stays in Monaco.”
On criticism, he said: “Criticism is part of football. I don’t take it negatively. On the contrary, I take it positively.”
A points battle against Sudan
Senegal are 2nd in Group J with four points, level with Mozambique but behind them in the standings on goal difference (+1 against +3). Sudan are 3rd with three points, after a 4-1 defeat in Maputo.
The Lions have never lost in eight meetings with Sudan: five wins and three draws.
Sudan are coached by Ghanaian head coach James Kwesi Appiah, who has named a squad of 24 players drawn mainly from the domestic league. The reverse fixture will take place on 16 November 2026.
Absences in the Senegal squad
The context is unusual: Sadio Mané has asked to be excused from the national team to stay with his family, and Ismail Jakobs has retired from international football, according to All Football.
Patrick Vieira will also have to do without Mamadou Sarr of Real Sociedad, absent due to a calf injury. Krépin Diatta, who went off injured with Watford on 7 November, has been replaced by Arouna Sangante.
The match is broadcast on Canal+ Sport Afrique, RTS and beIN Sports France.