Senegal: Sadio Mané left out of Patrick Vieira’s first squad

Sadio Mané has not been included in the first squad announced by Patrick Vieira as head coach of Senegal, revealed on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Dakar. The new manager has selected 29 players for the first two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, followed by a friendly match in early October.

The absence of the forward is the most notable decision in this initial selection. However, Patrick Vieira has retained several key players, including Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Guèye, Pape Matar Sarr, Ismaïla Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, and Iliman Ndiaye. Édouard Mendy is also missing from the squad after announcing his international retirement.

The coach has also called up Malang Sarr, Sadibou Sané, and Pape Moussa Fall. In goal, Yehvann Diouf and Mory Diaw are joined by Mamour Ndiaye and Ngagne Demba Thiam, while Édouard Mendy’s departure creates a new hierarchy in that position.

Senegal is set to begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign on Friday, September 25, against Mozambique in Maputo, before traveling to Ethiopia on Tuesday, September 29. The Lions will then face the Comoros in a friendly on Sunday, October 4, at the Orange Vélodrome in Marseille.

Patrick Vieira was appointed head coach of Senegal on August 18, succeeding Pape Thiaw. His official presentation took place on Friday at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, coinciding with the announcement of this first squad.

Senegal’s first match under his management is scheduled for September 25 at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo against Mozambique.