Patrick Vieira has named three uncapped attacking players in his latest Senegal squad, while Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye are among the notable absentees for the double-header against Sudan on 12 and 16 November.
The matches are part of Senegal’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and represent Vieira’s second squad since becoming head coach of the Lions of Teranga.
Brest winger Pathe Mboup is the most prominent of the new selections. The 23-year-old, who came through the Dakar Sacre-Cœur academy and emerged at Pau, has started all nine of his Ligue 1 appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
His pace, direct running and ability to beat opponents with the ball could give Vieira another option in wide areas, with several established players unavailable.
Clayton Diandy is a less expected inclusion. The 20-year-old right winger was born in Guinea-Bissau but developed in Senegal with Guediawaye. He now plays for Al-Diriyah in Saudi Arabia and has featured regularly, scoring once and supplying one assist in nine games this season.
Although his numbers are not especially striking, his progress and potential have earned him the attention of the Senegal coaching staff.
The third attacking newcomer is Paul Mendy, a striker from Rufisque who has established himself in the Cagliari starting line-up in Serie A. He has scored one goal in 10 appearances, but has impressed with his work-rate, involvement in build-up play and ability to occupy opposing defences.
All three players were developed in Senegal before continuing their careers abroad.
Vieira has also recalled several players. Krepin Diatta returns after finding a club and regular playing time at Watford, where the versatile Senegal international has made five Championship appearances since joining. Vieira had discussed his situation at his previous news conference.
Pape Demba Diop has been included three years after winning his first and only cap. The midfielder has become part of Strasbourg’s rotation and has also started regularly. While he has not yet produced standout performances for his club, he benefits from the backing of a coach who knows his qualities from their time together in Alsace.
Dion Lopy’s return was more anticipated. The midfielder has been performing for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and is back with Senegal after an extended absence.
Mane is unavailable for family reasons, while Idrissa Gana Gueye, 37, has not been selected despite being Diandy’s team-mate at Al-Diriyah. Vieira wants to use the camp to assess alternative midfield options.
Ismaila Sarr, Abdallah Sima, Assane Diao, Habib Diarra and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye are also unavailable.
Tidiam Gomis of RB Leipzig, who had been considered for a first call-up, is absent, while Mamadou Diakhon of Club Bruges has not retained his place after appearing against Comoros last month.
Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson are included as Vieira continues to refresh the squad without abandoning its established core.