Senegal’s return to international action in March has sparked debate over whether the African champions should stick with their title-winning squad or introduce new faces ahead of upcoming challenges.
The Lions, who have not been seen together since their victory parade following continental success in Morocco in 2025, are due to regroup from 23 to 31 March for two friendly matches.
One fixture is expected to be against Peru, pending official confirmation from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), while a second opponent is yet to be announced.
Since lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, players have resumed duties with their clubs, while head coach Pape Thiaw has travelled across the country with the silverware to continue celebrations with supporters.
Plans are reportedly being discussed for another gathering in Diamniadio, where fans could once again see the trophy up close.
Yet beyond the festivities, attention has turned to selection choices.
The March window represents the first step towards the final phase of preparations for the World Cup at the end of May, and it offers an opportunity to reassess the squad.
In the build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations, Thiaw made several trips to Europe in a bid to persuade dual nationals to commit to Senegal.
Assane Diao, Antoine Mendy and Ilay Camara were among those courted, while Mamadou Sarr and Ibrahim Mbaye were integrated into the group.
Three of those players featured during the victorious campaign.
The coach named a 28-man squad for the tournament and described them as “28 starters”.
In practice, only Mamadou Lamine Camara and Ousseynou Niang, among the outfield players, did not see minutes on the pitch.
The message was clear: competition for places remains constant.
Fresh options could now be considered. Issa Soumare’s performances with Le Havre AC have drawn attention, while Nobel Mendy of Rayo Vallecano and Pape Demba Diop at Strasbourg are also being monitored.
Despite securing a second continental crown, imperfections were evident.
Defensive lapses and inefficiency in front of goal occasionally tempered their dominance.
The March friendlies therefore offer a low-pressure environment to experiment, integrate new players gradually and address tactical imbalances.
Thiaw must now decide whether to preserve the cohesion of a championship-winning group or broaden his selection pool in anticipation of future demands.
His next squad announcement will signal the direction Senegal intend to take.
