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Defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, Senegal, under the leadership of coach Aliou Cisse, are gearing up for a significant test as they aim to replicate their AFCON success with a squad predominantly composed of players from the Saudi championship. In a departure from his previous stance, Cisse has included a quintet of key players, once instrumental in their 2022 victory, but who have since moved their talents to Saudi Arabia.
Among the notable names in the lineup are Sadio Mane, the talismanic forward, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and centreback Kalidou Koulibaly, who all played crucial roles in Senegal's historic triumph in 2022. The decision to integrate players from the Saudi league marks a strategic shift for Cisse, who had previously refrained from selecting individuals from the region, citing concerns about the league's quality in comparison to the major European championships.
Addressing the media in a press conference on Friday, Cisse acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We showed we were capable of winning the title when we had players in the major European championships. Now we also must show we can win it with players who play in Saudi Arabia." The coach's words highlight the team's commitment to proving that success is not solely dependent on the European pedigree of its players.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli/KSA), Seny Dieng (Middlesbrough/ENG), Mory Diaw (Clermont/FRA)
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal/KSA), Abdou Diallo (Al-Arabi/QAT), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Abdoulaye Niakhate (Troyes/FRA), Moussa Niakhate (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Fode Ballo Toure (Fulham/ENG), Youssouf Sabaly (Real Betis/ESP), Ismail Jackobs (Monaco/FRA), Formose Mendy (Lorient/FRA)
Midfielders: Nampalys Mendy (Lens/FRA), Idrissa Gueye (Everton/ENG), Pape Sarr (Tottenham/ENG), Pape Gueye (Marseille/FRA), Krepin Diatta (Monaco/FRA), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano/ESP), Cheikhou Kouyate (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Lamine Camara (Metz/FRA)
Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al Nassr/KSA), Habibou Diallo (Al Shabab), Iliman Ndiaye (Marseille/FRA), Ismaila Sarr (Marseille/FRA), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea/ENG), Boulaye Dia (Salernitana/ITA), Abdallah Sima (Rangers/SCO)
