Senegal wrapped up its CHAN 2025 preparatory double-header against Guinea with a narrow but hard-fought 1-0 victory on Monday in Diamniadio, sealing a promising result ahead of the continental showdown.
Coach Souleymane Diallo used the post-match briefing not only to commend his players’ effort but also to elaborate on the guiding principles behind his evolving squad selection.
What we can remember first of all is the commitment the boys showed today. It was a match with the intensity of a real CHAN, a true African competition, Diallo told reporters after the final whistle. I thank the Guinean team who, once again, caused us a lot of problems in terms of impact. But I especially congratulate my players, because they knew how to respond.
Senegal’s ability to keep two consecutive clean sheets over the course of the home-and-away series left the coach particularly satisfied, especially given the physical nature of the encounters.
We played two games without conceding. In the first, they only had one shot on target. Today, I’m waiting to review the video, but I think they had very few chances, especially in the middle, Diallo noted. The block remained compact, and the boys tried to get out in transition. That’s encouraging.
Despite the result, the Senegalese coach was keen to recognise the quality of the opposition.
Guinea is a dense team, very solid in the playing area.
They have good technical players, fast, comfortable in the interplay and deep spaces.
We will have to count on them in the competition, he acknowledged, suggesting that the Guinean side will be a threat once CHAN 2025 kicks off.
As attention now turns toward final squad preparation, Diallo underlined the rigorous standards driving his decision-making.
With significant turnover in player selection compared to earlier training camps, he attributed the changes to the high standards demanded by international competition.
When we compare with the February list, there are very few players who are still there. This is proof that the Senegalese championship is very high-level. The boys are good, but the high level has its demands, he explained.
Diallo closed by reinforcing his commitment to continuous assessment.
Our choices are always guided by that, especially on a tactical level.
That’s why I watch as many matches as possible, sometimes all of them, to better evaluate.
As CHAN 2025 approaches, the message is clear: Senegal’s local talent pool is thriving, but only those who meet the highest standards will wear the national colours in Morocco.
