Patrick Vieira set to refresh Senegal squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Patrick Vieira is expected to introduce several new faces when he names his first Senegal squad on Friday, with Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye unavailable for the opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.

Senegal begin their campaign against Mozambique at the Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor in Dakar on 25 September before travelling to Ethiopia four days later. Sarr and Ndiaye will miss both fixtures after being suspended by CAF for their conduct towards the referee during the most recent Africa Cup of Nations final.

The pair could return for Senegal’s friendly against Comoros in Marseille on 4 October, although Vieira may decide to leave them out after a turbulent transfer window. The new manager’s first squad is expected to provide an early indication of his plans to inject fresh talent into the Lions following their disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended in the round of 16.

Vieira is understood to favour a gradual renewal of the Senegal team rather than a complete overhaul. Several players pushing for their first senior call-up could benefit from that approach.

Sadibou Sane is among those expected to receive his first invitation to the senior squad. The 22-year-old central defender moved from FC Metz to AS Monaco during the summer in a deal reported to be worth about 10 million euros and has quickly established himself with the club.

His strength in one-on-one challenges, aerial ability and composure when playing out from defence have attracted attention. Sane was part of the Senegal side that won the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, although he played only a limited role during the tournament. He now appears ready to take the next step in his international career.

Lamine Sy could also be included for the first time. The AJ Auxerre right-back had already been monitored by the previous Senegal coaching staff and was named among the reserves before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

His possible selection would address a shortage on the right side of defence. Ilay Camara is recovering from a foot injury, Antoine Mendy has suffered a cruciate ligament rupture and Krepin Diatta is currently without a club. Sy, 24, has been playing regularly in Ligue 1 and offers a natural option at wing-back or full-back, with the potential to provide greater defensive security.

Nobel Mendy is expected to return to the Senegal squad after making his senior debut in March. The 22-year-old, who now plays for Hull City, can operate at centre-back or on the left side of defence.

There had been concern after Mendy suffered a fitness problem at the end of August, but the former Betis player has since returned to action. His inclusion would give Vieira more defensive flexibility while helping to reduce the team’s reliance on its established senior players.

The first squad is therefore unlikely to represent a full-scale revolution. Instead, Vieira appears set to combine Senegal’s experienced core with players who are beginning to make an impression at club level. Sane, Sy and Mendy could become the first beneficiaries of the new manager’s attempt to begin a new cycle.

The setting for Vieira’s opening home match will also mark a return to the past. Senegal will face Mozambique at the Stade Leopold-Sedar-Senghor, a historic venue the Lions have not used in recent years.

By Naim Beneddra