CAN 2027: Vieira announces Senegal squad, Sadio Mané notably absent

Sadio Mané absent from Senegal squad for Sudan qualifiers; Vieira says the Al-Nassr forward wants to be with family for birth of new child.

Patrick Vieira announced his 25-man Senegal squad on Thursday for the two-legged Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Sudan on 12 and 16 November. The notable omission is captain Sadio Mané, who plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr. Vieira explained in his press conference that Mané requested to remain with his family for the birth of his new child, and the manager agreed to the arrangement. "We both agreed that he could stay close to his family, because that's what he wanted to do," Vieira said. Other key players including Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, Pape Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are included. Idrissa Gana Gueye, the former PSG and Everton midfielder now at Saudi club Al-Diriyah, is also absent, with Vieira indicating it was a sporting decision. The squad includes 19-year-old Cagliari forward Paul Mendy, called up for the first time.