Mauritanian national team coach, Amir Abdou, is forced to make a strategic adjustment to his squad, a mere 15 days before the start of the tournament scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
The unforeseen change arises from an unfortunate injury to the second Mourabitounes goalkeeper, Babacar Diop. Initially named in the final roster of 27 as a backup to the primary custodian, Babacar Niasse of Guingamp, Diop sustained a knee injury during a training session, consequently ruling him out of AFCON 2023.
The Mauritanian Football Federation (FFRIM) promptly communicated this setback via its official channel, citing a rupture of the cruciate ligaments in Diop’s left knee.
The void left by Diop’s absence will be filled by the capable Mbacké Ndiaye, hailing from Nouakchott King, marking his return to the squad since September, particularly after the last-day qualifiers against Gabon, where Mauritania secured a 2-1 victory.
As per the regulations governing the competition, participating teams are allowed to replace an injured player up to 24 hours before the kickoff of their first match.
In adherence to this stipulation, Ndiaye steps in to fortify the Mauritanian squad.
Despite Diop’s untimely exit from the active roster, the FFRIM has opted to retain him within the team, underscoring their commitment to his well-being.
The injured goalkeeper will accompany the group to Tunisia, where a preparatory match against the Carthage Eagles is scheduled for January 6, 2024.
The federation emphasized, “The FFRIM has decided to keep Babacar Diop in the group which will travel to Tunisia, in order to begin the required care as soon as possible.”
Having agreed for regrouping since Thursday, the Mauritanian squad, led by Khadim Diaw, is set to embark on its preparation course in Tabarka, Tunisia, starting Sunday.
Their campaign in the AFCON will kick off on January 16 against Burkina Faso in Group D, where they share the stage with formidable contenders Algeria and Angola.
The adaptation to unforeseen challenges reaffirms the team’s resilience as they gear up for the continental football spectacle.
#FFRIM 🚨 | The Mourabitounes goalkeeper 🇲🇷 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒓 𝑫𝒊𝒐𝒑 is forced to forfeit the CAN 2023, due to a rupture of the cruciate ligaments of the left knee, suffered during the morning training session this Friday.
🔁 The national coach, Amir… pic.twitter.com/bkHvS6ykEU
— FFRIM (@ffrim) December 29, 2023
