The realm of speculation and controversy surrounding El Hadj Diouf’s potential return to the Lions of Teranga for the second leg of the CAN 2013 qualifiers against Ivory Coast has been definitively addressed. Coach Joseph Koto, who revealed the squad list in Dakar, has unequivocally excluded the former Lensois player from the selection.
This decision brings an end to the numerous questions regarding the lifting of El Hadj Diouf’s suspension. Despite being acquitted of his 5-year ban, he does not feature in the list of 22 players summoned by Joseph Koto. Notably, the coach has opted to recall Abdoulaye Ba, the Senegalese international defender who was absent in the first leg.
In conjunction with these decisions, Joseph Koto has opted to maintain continuity with the majority of the squad that traveled to Abidjan, with exceptions for Kader Mangane, Issiar Dia, and Jacques Faty, who were expelled in the first leg and are therefore suspended. Consequently, key regulars of the selection, from Bouna Conoundoul to the injured Moussa Sow, the in-form Demba Ba with Newcastle, and the goal scorer Dame Ndoye, are integral components of the squad.
Following their 4-2 defeat in Abidjan, the Lions of Senegal face a formidable challenge on October 14 in Dakar as they seek to overcome this deficit and secure qualification with a third goal. As for El Hadj Diouf, any developments regarding his future involvement with the team are eagerly awaited.
