DAKAR: Senegal’s Sadio Mane is a key selection in the 28-man World Cup squad named by coach Pape Thiaw on Thursday as the influential forward looks to make up for lost time having missed the finals four years ago in Qatar through injury.
Thiaw will have to trim his squad by two players ahead of the final deadline toward the end of this month.
Mane remains a leading player for a star-studded Senegal lineup that looks to be the most potent of the 10 African qualifiers for the finals in the US, Mexico and Canada, with a blend of experience and youthful athleticism in the squad.
The 34-year-old Al-Nassr player is likely to lead the line but also selected are Bayern Munich forward Nicolas Jackson plus Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.
Bayern’s 18-year-old midfielder Bara Ndiaye has also been called up but there is no place for Malang Sarr, who has excelled this season with Lens.
