Sadio Mane Withdraws from Senegal Squad for Friendlies Against Ireland and England

Senegalese forward Sadio Mane will miss the national team’s upcoming friendly matches against the Republic of Ireland and England after requesting to be excused from international duty.

Coach Pape Thiaw announced the 26-man squad on Tuesday, with Mane the most notable omission. Senegal will face Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Friday, June 6, before taking on England in Nottingham on June 10.

“It’s a personal decision, and it remains his private matter. As a coach, I respect that,” Thiaw said during a press conference.

Mane, 33, who has earned 111 caps for Senegal, faced criticism following the team’s mixed performances in March’s World Cup qualifiers, where they drew with Sudan and defeated Togo.

Thiaw’s latest squad includes a new face—midfielder Mamadou Lamine Camara, fresh off winning the CAF Confederation Cup with Moroccan club RS Berkane.

Seven players return after missing the March fixtures, including Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Everton midfielder Iliman Ndiaye.