Senegal has finalized a 25-man squad ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with coach Aliou Cissé largely maintaining the core group that featured in the team’s recent matches against Madagascar and Mali. The list, announced ahead of preparations starting in Saly on June 4, includes many of the country’s key stars while leaving out a few notable absences.
There are no major surprises in the squad, though some players miss out due to injury or limited playing time. Cheikh Ndoye of Angers and his teammate Pape Djibril Diaw, who has struggled for minutes since joining SCO in the winter, are both absent. Another significant omission is Kara Mbodji, formerly of Nantes, whose exclusion will be closely watched given his experience in defense. On the other hand, the squad includes promising young talents such as 20-year-old Krépin Diatta of Club Brugge, as well as Rennes duo Sarr and Niang. Sada Thioub of Nîmes also earns a call-up, providing additional options in midfield.
The squad retains Senegal’s established core, with players like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Salif Sané, and Idrissa Gana Gueye expected to anchor the team. Their experience at top European clubs will be vital as Senegal aims to progress from Group C, where they will face Tanzania, Algeria, and Kenya in the tournament’s opening round. The 2019 AFCON will be held in Egypt from June 21 to July 19, providing a stage for Senegal to build on their strong performances in recent international fixtures.
In goal, Senegal has selected Abdoulaye Diallo of Rennes, Alfred Gomis of SPAL, and Edouard Mendy of Reims, offering a mix of domestic and international experience. The defensive line features Salif Sané (Schalke 04), Kalidou Koulibaly (Naples), Pape Abou Cissé (Olympiacos), Lamine Gassama (Göztepe), Moussa Wagué (Barcelona), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), and Saliou Ciss (Valenciennes), blending experience, versatility, and young talent.
Midfield options include Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Alfred Ndiaye (Malaga), Badou Ndiaye (Galatasaray), Cheikhou Kouyaté (Crystal Palace), Sada Thioub (Nîmes), Sidy Sarr (Lorient), Henri Saivet (Bursaspor), and Krépin Diatta (Club Brugge), offering a combination of defensive stability, playmaking ability, and attacking support.
The forward line boasts some of Senegal’s most dangerous attacking talent, with Keita Baldé (Lazio), Sadio Mané (Liverpool), Moussa Konaté (Amiens), Ismaïla Sarr (Rennes), Mbaye Diagne (Galatasaray), Mbaye Niang (Rennes), and Santy Ngom (Nancy) all included. This group provides pace, creativity, and finishing ability, essential elements for competing at Africa’s highest level.
With preparations set to begin in Saly, Aliou Cissé will have the opportunity to integrate younger players while fine-tuning the tactics for a demanding AFCON campaign. The mix of experience and youth in the squad positions Senegal as one of the favorites in Group C, with expectations high as the team looks to make a strong run in Egypt. The 25 selected Lions of Teranga embody both talent and ambition, ready to compete for continental glory and uphold Senegal’s proud footballing tradition.
