Patrick Vieira is expected to introduce at least three new faces when he names his first Senegal squad on Friday, with Malang Sarr in line for his first call-up and major changes anticipated in goal.
Vieira was appointed on 18 August as the successor to Pape Thiaw and will begin his tenure with three fixtures. Senegal face Mozambique on 25 September and Ethiopia on 29 September in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, before meeting Comoros in a friendly in Marseille on 4 October.
The opening squad of Vieira’s reign will give the French coach an opportunity to begin shaping a group of his own, with Sarr’s inclusion now considered almost certain.
According to L’Equipe, the 27-year-old Neom defender is set to be selected by Senegal for the first time. Sarr was born in France to Senegalese parents and previously represented France at Under-21 level.
He initially turned down approaches from Senegal. His possible integration into the squad shortly before the 2026 World Cup had reportedly created some tension within the dressing room.
The timing of his arrival now appears more straightforward. Bringing him into the group for a World Cup after he had repeatedly rejected the national team could have been difficult to accept. The start of a new cycle under Vieira, however, gives Sarr the chance to begin again with a clean slate.
The biggest changes could come in goal.
Dsports reports that Ngagne Demba Thiam, the 28-year-old Monza goalkeeper, is also expected to receive his first Senegal call-up. He would replace Edouard Mendy in numerical terms following Mendy’s retirement from international football.
Match360 says Vieira is also likely to select Mamour Ndiaye, the 20-year-old reserve goalkeeper at AS Saint-Etienne.
The two uncapped players are expected to be joined by Yehvann Diouf. Mory Diaw, who was Pape Thiaw’s number two and started in the unfortunate defeat by Belgium at the World Cup, could miss out.
The reshuffle may give Diouf an opportunity to move up the pecking order. The 26-year-old Nice goalkeeper has won only two caps, both in friendlies, with Edouard Mendy’s long-standing presence limiting his chances.
Diouf has conceded five goals in four matches for Nice at the start of this season, but remains highly regarded within Senegalese football.
He is also remembered by supporters for an unusual moment during the Africa Cup of Nations final, when he protected Mendy’s towel behind the goal from attempts by Morocco players to take it.
He could now step out of the shadow of his distinguished predecessor and inherit the starting gloves.
Vieira is therefore expected to announce at least three first-time Senegal call-ups on Friday, although further surprises could still be included in his squad.