Sunderland’s AFCON situation explained after multiple departures, one boost and one major injury question
AFCON squads bring mixed news for Sunderland, with several departures looming, a welcome twist for Régis Le Bris and one fitness doubt
Several Sunderland players have now learned their AFCON fate as national squads are confirmed, with one major surprise emerging ahead of the tournament.
Reinildo Mandava has been called up by Mozambique and will head into a challenging Group B containing the Ivory Coast, Gabon and Cameroon. The competition kicks off next weekend and will run for around a month, adding the left-back to the growing list of Sunderland players preparing to depart mid-season.
Bertrand Traoré has also made his nation’s squad, representing Burkina Faso in matches against Equatorial Guinea, Algeria and Sudan. The forward arrives at the tournament in good form on Wearside and will hope to play a key role for his country. Meanwhile, Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku have both been included by DR Congo, bolstering Sunderland’s international representation.
There is, however, uncertainty over Habib Diarra. The midfielder is recovering from groin surgery and, while close to returning, Régis Le Bris confirmed after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City that he won’t be ready for the Newcastle United game this weekend. Whether Senegal choose to take him to AFCON remains unclear at this stage.
The biggest shock came with Simon Adingra. The winger – part of Ivory Coast’s triumphant 2023 squad and named Young Player of the Tournament – has been left out entirely, not listed in either the main squad or the reserves. His lack of minutes this season has ultimately cost him his place. It will be a personal blow for the 24-year-old, but a significant boost for Sunderland, who retain an extra attacking option during a heavy winter schedule.
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Adingra’s omission also shifts the picture in wide areas. Sunderland were braced to lose depth on both flanks, with Traoré set to travel and Chemsdine Talbi expected to receive a Morocco call. Enzo Le Fée has proven capable on the left and Eliezer Mayenda can operate on the right, yet the squad will still feel stretched. Adingra now looks primed for a run of starts – an opportunity to reignite his season and stake his claim under Le Bris after a frustrating first few months.
AFCON begins next weekend, with the group stage concluding at the end of December. UK viewers can watch live coverage on Channel 4, with Sunderland supporters sure to monitor their travelling internationals closely through the festive period. Sunderland, however, will have all of their African players available this weekend as the Black Cats prepare to welcome arch-rivals Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light in the Premier League for the highly-anticipated Wear-Tyne derby on Sunday afternoon.