Senegal host Sudan on Thursday, 12 November, in the third round of qualifying for CAN 2027, with both sides seeking a result to strengthen their hopes of reaching the finals.

The Group J fixture will see Senegal name a 25-man squad featuring several established players, while Sudan arrive with a 24-man group led by Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah.

Senegal

Patrick Vieira has included senior figures Kalidou Koulibaly, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Lamine Camara in his squad for the match.

Krepin Diatta and Dion Lopy have also returned to the international set-up. Pathe Mboup, Pape Demba Diop, Clayton Diandy and Paul Mendy are included for the first time.

However, Senegal will be without Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The anticipated Senegal starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Yehvann Diouf

Defenders: Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf

Midfielders: Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr

Forwards: Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye

The hosts will be looking to use their experienced core and recent returning players as they pursue a strong position in the group. The match represents the third stage of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sudan

Sudan’s squad is made up largely of players from the domestic league, with a significant number representing Al Hilal and Al Merrikh.

The Falcons of Jediane also have several players based abroad available as they prepare to face Senegal’s Lions of Teranga.

Appiah’s expected Sudan line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Monged El Neel

Defenders: Sheddy Barglan, Mohamed Saeed Ahmed, Mustafa Karshoum, Bakhit Khames

Midfielders: Ammar Taifour, Abuaagla Abdalla, Walieldin Khedr

Forwards: Aamir Yunis Abdallah, Mohamed Eisa, Mohammed Abdel-Rahman

The two teams head into the Group J encounter aware of its importance to their qualification campaigns. Senegal will have home advantage, while Sudan will attempt to remain competitive with a side built primarily from players active in its national championship.