Senegal confirmed a last-minute squad change ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 match against Botswana, with Ousseynou Niang joining the team to fill the void left by Assane Diao.
The Lions of Teranga prepare to take the field Tuesday at 3:00 PM, maintaining their strong lineup despite the setback.
Assane Diao, originally selected for the tournament, withdrew due to a hamstring injury sustained on December 15th during Como’s 1-0 defeat to AS Roma.
He traveled to Dakar on December 18th for medical assessments, which confirmed the severity of the injury and forced him out of the competition.
The young winger expressed his disappointment in an Instagram post, reflecting on a season of highs and lows.
He described his 2025 as ending prematurely and shared his sadness at missing the chance to represent Senegal at his first AFCON.
Despite the setback, Diao extended his support to the team, wishing his teammates success and pledging to return stronger in the second half of the season.
Replacing him, Ousseynou Niang arrives with momentum. The Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder, initially left out of the squad, earned the call-up after delivering an assist in his club’s recent fixture.
Niang’s inclusion ensures the coaching staff retains squad depth on the left flank and gives the player a valuable opportunity to debut at the continental tournament.
Senegal’s coaching staff demonstrated adaptability and confidence in their talent pool, addressing the last-minute challenge efficiently.
The team, reigning champions, aims to defend their title and capture a second consecutive star.
Niang’s arrival adds fresh energy and tactical options as the Lions of Teranga look to assert their dominance in the group stage.
With the squad finalised, Senegal remains among the tournament favorites. The combination of experience, talent, and depth positions the team to respond to unexpected challenges and continue their pursuit of African glory.
