Head coach Patrick Vieira has explained Sadio Mané’s absence for the double-header against Sudan: the Al-Nassr forward is expecting a happy event and chose to stay with his family.
Sadio Mané will not feature in Senegal’s double-header against Sudan on 12 and 16 November in CAF 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Patrick Vieira cleared up the doubt over this withdrawal, at a camp already missing several key players.
According to the head coach, quoted by La Nouvelle Tribune, the Al-Nassr forward did receive his call-up but preferred to stay with his family. Vieira says he accepts the choice, which he does not present as a questioning of the player’s commitment to the national team.
“I accepted his decision”
Asked about the absence, Vieira gave his version, reported by La Nouvelle Tribune: “I had Sadio on the phone. He did receive his call-up, but he is expecting a happy event and decided to stay alongside his family. I accepted his decision and I respect it.”
The head coach also moved to end the speculation: the decision does not call into question Mané’s commitment to the national team, he assured, again according to the same source.
A precedent in September
This withdrawal comes on top of the September camp, which Mané had already missed through injury, L’Équipe recalls. Two successive international windows without the national shirt, then, but for different reasons.
Mané’s absence does not make Vieira’s plans any easier. Ismaïla Sarr, Assane Diao and Abdallah Sima are also out for medical reasons, according to Foot-africa.com. Several key players have also retired from international football: Chérif Ndiaye at the end of August, then Édouard Mendy and Ismail Jakobs, according to Afrique Sports. The head coach must therefore work with a reshaped squad.
Mozambique in the rear-view mirror
Senegal sit top of their group, level on points with Mozambique (4 points), and hold a one-point lead over Sudan, according to L’Équipe.
The first match is set for 12 November, before a return fixture scheduled for 16 November in Sudan. Two games Mané will not play, with his absence now confirmed by the head coach.