Giresse Names Senegal Squad for Crucial AFCON Qualifiers Against Egypt and Botswana
Senegal head coach Alain Giresse has announced his squad for the upcoming 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Egypt and Botswana, set for the fifth and sixth rounds of the campaign.
The Frenchman, who previously managed Mali, unveiled the list on Monday morning, making a few notable changes ahead of the decisive fixtures. West Ham United striker Diafra Sakho has earned a call-up, taking the place of Besiktas forward Demba Ba, while Boavista goalkeeper Mamadou Ba is also included in the squad for the first time.
Senegal currently sits second in their group with 7 points, trailing leaders Tunisia (10 points), but ahead of third-placed Egypt (6 points) and Botswana, who remain without a point.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Giresse has opted for a mix of established international names and in-form club performers across Europe.
Full Senegal Squad:
Goalkeepers:
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Bouna Coundoul (Free agent)
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Pape Demba Camara (Sochaux, France)
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Mamadou Ba (Boavista, Portugal)
Defenders:
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Zargo Touré (Le Havre, France)
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Boukary Dramé (Atalanta, Italy)
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Kara Mbodji (Genk, Belgium)
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Papy Djilobodji (Nantes, France)
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Cheikh Mbengue (Rennes, France)
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Pape Ndiaye Souaré (Lille, France)
Midfielders:
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Mohamed Diamé (Hull City, England)
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Idrissa Gana Gueye (Lille, France)
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Salif Sané (Hannover 96, Germany)
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Pape Alioune Ndiaye (Bodo/Glimt, Norway)
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Stéphane Badji (Brann, Norway)
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Cheikhou Kouyaté (West Ham, England)
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Alfred Ndiaye (Real Betis, Spain)
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Sadio Mané (Southampton, England)
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Pape Kouly Diop (Levante, Spain)
Forwards:
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Papiss Demba Cissé (Newcastle United, England)
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Moussa Sow (Fenerbahçe, Turkey)
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Dame Ndoye (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
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Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke City, England)
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Diafra Sakho (West Ham United, England)
Giresse’s selection reflects Senegal’s deep pool of talent, with the team boasting experience in Europe’s top leagues. The matches against Egypt and Botswana will be decisive in determining whether the Lions of Teranga book their place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
With just two games remaining in the group stage, Senegal will need strong performances to secure qualification, especially in what is shaping up to be a tight race with Egypt for the second qualifying spot.
