Mohamed Adama Sarr believes Senegal must begin preparing for life beyond Sadio Mane, although the country’s emerging players will need time before they can fully replace the Al Nassr forward.
The former AC Milan defender discussed Mane’s international future in an interview with Africafoot, with the veteran absent for Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match against Sudan.
Mane’s absence gives a new generation of Senegal players the opportunity to take on greater responsibility with the Lions of Teranga. However, Sarr warned that developing a successor to one of the team’s leading figures will not happen immediately.
The former Senegal international said the country should show patience with its younger talents as they gain the experience required to perform at the highest level.
Senegal waited several years before winning its first trophies with Mane playing a central role, and Sarr believes the next generation must be allowed a similar period of development rather than being expected to deliver straight away.
The match against Sudan is Senegal’s third fixture in the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign. The Lions have collected four points from their opening two matches and will be looking to use home advantage to strengthen their position in Group J.
Sarr stressed the importance of securing all three points, with victory moving Senegal closer to qualification and providing a positive result as the team adjusts to the changing make-up of the squad.
The meeting with Sudan is scheduled to take place shortly, with Senegal aiming to consolidate its place in the group. Mane’s absence places further focus on the players now being asked to contribute more prominently in his absence.
The listed pre-match odds put Senegal at 1.09 to win, with the draw priced at 8.00 and a Sudan victory at 16.00.