Abdoulaye Niakhaté Ndiaye has stepped onto the field for the Senegal National Team, marking a significant departure from the long list of players summoned but never fielded by coach Aliou Cissé. The momentous occasion unfolded during Senegal’s 1-0 victory against Niger at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio on Monday, January 8, 2024, as part of the team’s preparations for the upcoming 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ndiaye, a resident of Troyes in Ligue 2 France, made a notable impact by participating in the friendly match, replacing Ismail Jakobs just before the commencement of the second half.
Prior to this breakthrough appearance, Ndiaye had been part of the extensive list of players who had received a call-up but had not experienced actual playtime under El Tactico’s command.
The 21-year-old talent received his first call-up in September 2023 during a friendly match against Algeria.
Reflecting on his inclusion in the Senegal A team, Ndiaye expressed immense pride in sharing the field with esteemed players like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly.
In an interview with the Ligue 2 BKT website, Ndiaye conveyed, “When I was little, I watched the National Team play, with my jersey in front of the TV.
I watched Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly play… And today, I am with them on the pitch… When it happens to you, you can only be proud of yourself.”
This groundbreaking moment breaks a trend observed in Cissé’s tenure, where Ndiaye becomes the 25th player summoned by the coach to finally grace the field in a Senegal jersey.
Notably, he joins the ranks of those who, despite frequent appearances in the squad, never secured a selection under Cissé’s leadership.
As Senegal gears up for the challenges in Group C alongside Gambia, Guinea, and Cameroon in the upcoming AFCON, Ndiaye’s debut adds an exciting dimension to the squad’s dynamics.
The Lions are set to kick off their campaign on Monday, January 15, 2024, against Gambia, with fans eager to witness the promising performances that Ndiaye may contribute to the team’s journey in the African football spectacle.
