Sadio Mané returns as Senegal announce squad for September World Cup qualifiers

Sadio Mané will make his return to the Senegal national team after coach Pape Thiaw announced his squad for September’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifers.

 

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The Lions of Teranga, as they are nicknamed, are second in Group B with 12 points as they await two crucial games against Sudan and DR Congo next month.

Mané, 33, was a surprise exclusion when Senegal played Ireland and England in friendly encounters back in June. Thiaw called up the Al Nassr forward for the decisive matches against Sudan and DR Congo. Familiar faces are included in the squad, with veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly leading the backline. Édouard Mendy and Yehvann Diouf are expected to vie for the number one goalkeeper spot.

In-form Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr has been summoned alongside Everton attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye. Paris FC defender Moustapha Mbow received his maiden call-up to the national side. FC Metz striker Idrissa Gueye and Abdallah Sima have been left out of the squad.

Senegal are second in their group, one point behind leaders DR Congo. They will host third-placed Sudan first and then visit DR Congo away. It will be a very tough set of fixtures for Senegal, as both DR Congo and Sudan are the top sides in the group.

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