Massire Sylla has been called up to the Senegal senior squad for the first time after Mamadou Sarr withdrew with a left calf injury.

The Union Saint-Gilloise defender, who is 21, has been added to Patrick Vieira’s squad ahead of Senegal’s double-header against Sudan in the CAN 2027 qualifiers on 12 and 16 November.

Sylla has established himself as an important member of the Belgian club’s defence this season. He has started 16 of their 17 matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

His first senior international call-up marks another step in the career of a player developed by Diambars. Sylla has also played for Pau and Norwegian club Lyn.

Capable of playing either in central defence or in midfield, Sylla could now make his first appearance for Senegal’s senior team.