Mané returns, Pathé Mboup called up for first time: Vieira unveils Senegal squad

Patrick Vieira unveils on Thursday his second squad list as Senegal manager ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Sudan, on November 12 in Dakar and then November 16 away. Sadio Mané, sidelined from the last international break through injury, makes his return to the Lions of Teranga squad.

The 34-year-old double African Ballon d’Or winner had missed the previous international window but indicated his desire to continue contributing to his national team. His return comes as Édouard Mendy has definitively ended his international career.

Vieira reserves a first call-up for Pathé Mboup, 23-year-old winger at Stade Brestois. The former Pau FC player has two goals and one assist in nine matches since the start of the season. Incisive and goal-oriented, he will need to prove himself alongside international-calibre teammates such as Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Assane Diao.

This gathering will also be Vieira’s first at home, the Dakar native set to manage the Lions at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor for the first time since taking charge.

Senegal approach these two matches after a mixed start to their campaign: a draw in Mozambique (1-1) followed by a victory in Ethiopia (0-1), sealed by Ibrahim Mbaye. The top two from each group will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 final tournament, scheduled for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Meanwhile, Senegal awaits the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision on its 2025 African champion title, from which it was stripped.