Senegal thrash Sudan as four debutants make their mark in Dakar

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Senegal’s 4-1 victory over Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Thursday night was about more than three important points. The Lions of Teranga celebrated their return to the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor with an emphatic victory, while four newcomers received their first opportunities in the senior national team under head coach Patrick Vieira.

Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in the 31st minute before Sudan captain Mohamed Abuagla restored parity just before half-time. However, Senegal returned with renewed determination after the break, with Boulaye Dia, Ibrahim Mbaye and debutant Pathé Mboup finding the net to complete an impressive victory.

The evening provided a significant opportunity for Vieira to expand his options, with Pape Demba Diop, Clayton Diandy, Paul Mendy and Pathé Mboup all making their senior international debuts. All four had received their first call-ups for the November double-header against Sudan, reflecting the coach’s willingness to introduce new profiles into the Senegalese setup.

Pape Demba Diop, the 23-year-old Strasbourg midfielder, was the first of the newcomers to experience senior international football. The former Senegal U20 international replaced Dion Lopy, bringing his experience from the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Senegal win the continental title and finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals.

Clayton Diandy, a 20-year-old forward playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Diriyah, also received his first senior appearance after replacing Ibrahim Mbaye. Previously associated with Greek side Aris Thessaloniki, Diandy had represented Senegal at U17 and U20 levels, including appearances at the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup and the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt.

Paul Mendy, the 19-year-old Cagliari forward, also made his senior international debut after coming on for Nicolas Jackson in the 86th minute. Although he did not have much time to influence the scoreline, the opportunity represented an important milestone for the young striker, who had previously progressed through Cagliari’s youth ranks before making his professional debut in March 2026.

The most memorable debut, however, belonged to Pathé Mboup. The 23-year-old Stade Brestois forward needed only seconds after entering the game in the 86th minute to announce himself on the international stage. Receiving a pass from Pape Matar Sarr, Mboup finished clinically to score Senegal’s fourth goal and complete a dream introduction to the senior national team. The former Pau FC attacker, who had previously represented Senegal at U23 level, transformed his first senior appearance into an unforgettable occasion.

The four debuts represent an encouraging development for Senegal as Vieira continues to build depth and competition within the squad. Their introduction also demonstrates the country’s continuing investment in emerging talent, with players developing in European and Saudi Arabian leagues being given opportunities to contribute to the national team’s future.

Senegal’s return to Dakar was further marked by a special tribute to former goalkeeper Édouard Mendy before kick-off. The Al-Ahli shot-stopper, who retired from international football after winning two Africa Cup of Nations titles with the Lions, was honoured for his contribution to the national team.

The 4-1 victory takes Senegal to seven points from three matches, placing them at the top of Group J. Vieira’s men will now travel to Juba for the return encounter against Sudan on November 16, with the opportunity to consolidate their position and move closer to securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.