Senegalese forward Dieynaba Ndaw eyes AFCON glory with Senegal

Senegalese forward Dieynaba Ndaw has expressed her excitement and ambition ahead of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as she prepares to compete in her first major international tournament with the national team.

The 22-year-old, who plays collegiate football at the University of Miami, has been included in the final 24-player squad selected by head coach Mame Moussa Cissé for the continental showpiece, which will take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26.

Ndaw, who last featured for the Lionesses during a pair of friendlies against DR Congo, admitted her surprise at being recalled but revealed that her reintegration into the national setup has been seamless.

“I’ve had a lot of contact with the coach, it’s always a source of pride to be selected,” she said. “It’s an incredible group, everyone is super nice. They welcomed me very well, it’s as if I’ve been there for several years. I’m very happy to be here, I appreciate everyone.”

Senegal, who reached the quarter-finals in 2022, have set their sights on reaching at least the semi-finals this time. For Ndaw, the ambition is clear: success and progress.

“Football is football. The goal remains the same: we want to win and go as far as possible. The AFCON is a slightly more physical competition, but the great players are made to adapt. They teach me a lot, and I try to adapt as quickly as possible.”

While she may be one of the less experienced members of the squad, Ndaw has no illusions about the fierce competition for places, especially in the attacking positions.

However, her focus remains on collective success rather than personal accolades.

“The most important thing is to help the team and contribute. Playing as many minutes as possible is up to the coach. For me, the most important thing is that the team succeeds in this tournament. It’s a very competitive group, so it’s still a source of pride and I’m very happy to be here.”

With her versatility, enthusiasm, and team-first mindset, Ndaw looks set to be a valuable asset to the Lionesses as they aim to make a deep run in Morocco.

Her story is a reminder that opportunities can arise unexpectedly—and that belief, when met with preparation, can lead to something special.