Senegal rocked by double injury blow ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Sudan

Senegal have suffered a double injury setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Sudan, with key players Krepin Diatta and Mamadou Sarr ruled out of the fixtures.

The withdrawals have forced head coach Pape Thiaw to make changes to his squad as the Teranga Lions prepare for their next assignment in the race to secure a place at the tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Watford winger Diatta was the first to withdraw after picking up an injury during his side’s Championship encounter against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury following a collision with Federico Ravaglia while attempting to defend an attack from Middlesbrough. Despite efforts to continue, he was eventually replaced by Omar Haktab Traore.

Diatta, who joined Watford on a free transfer after spending five-and-a-half seasons at AS Monaco, has subsequently been withdrawn from the Senegal squad.

Sevilla defender Arouna Sangante has been called up as his replacement, providing Thiaw with an alternative option in defence.

The setback is particularly frustrating for Diatta, who had already missed Senegal’s opening round of qualifying matches against Madagascar and Ethiopia.

Sarr also ruled out as Sylla earns maiden call-up

Senegal have suffered another defensive setback following the withdrawal of Mamadou Sarr, who is currently on loan at Real Sociedad from Chelsea.

The defender picked up a left calf injury during Real Sociedad’s 1-1 Europa League draw against Lyon, ruling him out of the upcoming international assignments.

In response, Senegal have handed a maiden national team call-up to Massire Sylla, who has been selected to replace Sarr.

The two withdrawals represent an unwelcome disruption for the former African champions as they seek to strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign.

Senegal began their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON with a 1-1 draw against Madagascar before recovering to secure a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia.

They will now look to maintain their momentum against Sudan despite the absence of two players who could have offered valuable options.

Lesotho name squad for crucial Gabon double-header

Meanwhile, Lesotho head coach Bob Mafoso has named his final squad for the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header against Gabon.

The Likuena will travel to Franceville for the first encounter on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday, November 17.

Mafoso has retained the core of the squad that featured in September’s matches against Niger and Morocco, with experienced campaigners Sekhoane Moerane, Thabo Makhele and Motebang Sera among the players selected.

Sera will also have a personal milestone in sight, as he remains one goal away from equalling Jane Thabants’o’s record as Lesotho’s all-time leading goalscorer.

The two forwards also share the distinction of being Lesotho’s leading scorers in the COSAFA Cup, a record they hold alongside Mozambique legend Tico Tico Bucuane.

Lesotho head into the double-header searching for their first points of the qualifying campaign after suffering defeats to Niger and Morocco in their opening two matches.

Speaking at a media briefing, Mafoso expressed confidence in his team’s ability to respond, insisting that their performance against Niger deserved a better outcome.

“We created enough to have won when we played Niger and even if you go back and watch the match, you will see that by the time they scored, we had missed two good chances,” said Mafoso.

“Their goals came through a set-play, and another came on transition. As for Morocco, I’m not going to lie and say we could take them head on, but against Niger we took the game to them but didn’t convert our chances.”

Despite the difficult start, the Lesotho coach believes his players have the quality and courage to compete in the upcoming encounters.

“We think we are there and brave enough to give a good show in the upcoming two games. You will be able to see our team in position and the identity as well as what we are trying to do with this team.”

Lesotho squad for Gabon double-header

Goalkeepers: Sekhoane Moerane, Mosoeu Seahlolo, Katleho Mathetsa.

Defenders: Fusi Matlabe, Thabo Makhele, Katleho Koaeane, Thabang Malane, Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Thabo Mafatle, Tlotliso Mapola, Lehlohonolo Matsau.

Midfielders: Thabo Lesaoana, Tlotliso Phatsisi, T’sepo Toloane, Neo Mokhachane, Limpho Ralesupi, Teboho Letsema, Pheko ’Molaoa, Lebohang Lesako, Tholang Makuru, Bakoena Ramakatsa.

Forwards: Molefi Kulehile, Motebang Sera.