Senegal fears injury setback as Ilay Camara leaves Anderlecht clash early

Ilay Camara was forced off the pitch in the 16th minute of Anderlecht’s match against Sint-Truiden on Saturday, raising immediate concerns over his availability for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 22-year-old right-back, part of Senegal’s 28-man squad for the tournament in Morocco, appeared to suffer a hamstring injury in his right thigh.

Starting the match at Lotto Park, Camara looked promising in the opening minutes but soon signalled distress, receiving medical attention before attempting to continue.

His efforts proved unsuccessful, and he was replaced by Ali Maamar, leaving both Anderlecht and the Senegalese national team staff anxious about the severity of the injury.

Bad luck seems to be plaguing the Senegalese national team, analysts noted, reflecting on a period marked by fitness concerns among several key players ahead of the tournament.

Camara’s injury adds to this list, intensifying scrutiny over squad readiness as the Lions of Teranga approach one of the most important competitions on the African calendar.

Having been officially called up by coach Pape Thiaw, Camara joined the national team last March and has been eagerly preparing to make his AFCON debut.

His potential absence would be a notable loss for Senegal, given his contributions at club level with Anderlecht, where he has been a regular starter and a dependable defensive option.

At this stage, the priority is accurate diagnosis and recovery, a source close to the Senegalese setup commented. The coming days are crucial for Ilay and for the coaching staff. We need to know the extent of the injury to plan accordingly.

Medical examinations are expected to provide clarity on the hamstring problem and whether Camara will be fit in time for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s coaching staff are assessing contingency options should the right-back require an extended recovery period.

For Camara, the timing is particularly challenging.

After breaking into the national team in March 2025, he has worked hard to establish himself and was poised to gain valuable experience at his first major international tournament.

The injury comes as a setback to both his personal ambitions and Senegal’s plans, emphasizing the fine margins between preparation and misfortune in professional football.

The Lions of Teranga will be closely monitoring Camara’s recovery over the next week, with hopes that the 22-year-old can return to full fitness ahead of the tournament.

His availability could prove decisive for Senegal as they aim to make a strong impression on the continental stage.