Senegal Leave Out Mané and Gueye as Vieira Names Youthful Squad for Sudan Qualifiers

Senegal squad for Sudan qualifiers, Digi Mart USA News: Senegal coach Patrick Vieira has named a youthful squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying double-header against Sudan, with Sadio Mané and Idrissa Gana Gueye both absent.

The Lions of Teranga face Sudan on 12 and 16 November in Matchdays 3 and 4 of the qualifying campaign. Vieira is continuing to reshape the team during his second international window in charge.

The squad features several newer faces, including Pathé Mboup, Pape Demba Diop, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy, while Krépin Diatta and Dion Lopy return to the national set-up. Young players Mamour Ndiaye, Lamine Sy, Nobel Mendy and Sadibou Sané have also been included as Vieira broadens his options.

The most notable absences are Mané and Gana Gueye, two of the most experienced players of Senegal’s recent era. Mané will miss another national-team camp, while Gana Gueye has also been left out this time.

Experienced captain Kalidou Koulibaly remains part of the group and will provide leadership at the back. Vieira is also without Assane Diao, Abdallah Sima and Ismaïla Sarr, who are reported to be unavailable for medical reasons.

Goalkeeper Ngagne Demba Thiam has not been selected after losing his regular starting place at club level, while Arouna Sanganté, Rassoul Ndiaye and Mamadou Diakhon are also absent.

Despite the changes, Senegal retain considerable experience and quality. Koulibaly is joined in defence by Moussa Niakhaté, while midfield options include Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr and Dion Lopy.

In attack, Vieira can call on Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Ibrahim Mbaye and Boulaye Dia.

The two matches against Sudan come at an important point as Senegal look to strengthen their position in the group and build momentum towards the 2027 finals. For Vieira, the November window also offers another opportunity to assess the next generation of players as he continues the transition from the side built around some of Senegal’s long-serving stars.