Alain Giresse, the coach of the Senegal national football team, has made two changes to the initial list of 23 players selected for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Angola. The first change involved calling up Abdoulaye Sané from Rennes to replace the injured Ndiaye Déme Ndiaye. The second change was prompted by rumors of an injury to Pape Ndiaye Souaré of Reims, leading Giresse to call upon Stéphane Diarra Badji, a veteran and former captain of the local national team.
The decision to omit Demba Bâ, Bayal Sall, and Issiar Dia from the initial list has raised questions and concerns within the Senegalese sporting community. Additionally, the uncertainties surrounding player injuries have added to the sense of unease.
To address the potential absence of Pape Ndiaye Souaré, Giresse has brought in Stéphane Badji, who currently plays in the Norwegian championship at Brann Bergen 2. Badji, a former player for Casa Sport de Ziguinchor, joined Brann Bergen 2 in March 2023 from Songdal Fotbal, his first professional club.
The upcoming matches against Angola are considered crucial for Senegalese football, and Giresse’s decision to make changes and call upon experienced players suggests a desire to strengthen the squad. However, concerns have been raised about the overall level of serenity within the team as they approach these significant fixtures. The meeting against Angola, scheduled for April 23 in Conakry, is considered a home match due to the suspension of Senegal’s home field for a year, leading the Lions to host the match in Conakry.
