Abdallah Sima, the dynamic winger from Rangers FC, has been compelled to withdraw from further participation in AFCON 2023. This unforeseen setback results from a pronounced injury sustained by the player during training, rendering him unable to partake in any matches throughout the tournament.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) conveyed this regrettable news from the heart of the Teranga Lions’ camp on Saturday, January 20.
The FSF commenced their announcement by assuring Senegalese supporters of Coach Aliou Cissé’s well-being, disclosing that he had received treatment for a “benign infectious pathology” the previous evening.
The more somber revelation followed, detailing the departure of Abdallah Sima from the squad due to an injury incurred during training on Wednesday.
The official press release disclosed that Sima is grappling with a significant lesion of the adductor longus in his left thigh, imposing an extended period of unavailability for the 22-year-old striker.
The decision for his return to Glasgow Rangers has been endorsed by both the national team’s medical staff and his club, ensuring that he receives optimal treatment for his injury.
Regrettably, Abdallah Sima’s maiden appearance in the AFCON ends abruptly, as he departs without having played a single minute in the ongoing 34th edition of the tournament hosted in Ivory Coast.
Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that Senegal has already secured qualification for the round of 16 in AFCON 2023.
The void left by Sima’s absence will undoubtedly resonate within the team, but the Lions of Teranga remain poised for the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament.
