Senegal Begin Preparations for Crucial Tunisia Clash Amid Injury Concerns
Senegal’s national team began their preparations on Monday evening in Saly, 70km from Dakar, ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2015 qualifier against Tunisia, scheduled for Friday at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium.
The opening training session, overseen by head coach Alain Giresse, was a light one, involving just 12 of the 23 players called up for the double-header. The evening focused on gentle warm-ups and ball work in the centre circle, followed by short passing drills and a light run.
Notably, several of Senegal’s senior players, including captain Papis Demba Cissé, Dame Ndoye, Moussa Sow, Mohamed Diamé, and Cheikh Mbengue, were present but did not take part in the session. Their absence has raised questions about whether Giresse is deliberately easing his key players into the training schedule ahead of a more intensive session planned for Tuesday.
Despite the relaxed start, confidence remains high within the Senegalese camp. Striker Dame Ndoye stated, “We are already 100% ready for Tunisia.” Midfielder Mohamed Diamé echoed the sentiment, adding: “We must win on Friday to firmly assert ourselves in these qualifiers.”
However, Giresse faces a tactical challenge ahead of the fixture. A string of injuries has ruled out several first-choice players, including Cheikhou Kouyaté, Mame Birame Diouf, Lamine Sané, and Pape Ndiaye Souaré. With these absences, the coach will be forced to rethink his strategy and possibly reshuffle his lineup just days before the high-stakes encounter.
Senegal currently top Group G with six points and a goal difference of +4, narrowly ahead of Tunisia, who also have six points but with a goal difference of +2. The group is rounded out by Botswana and Egypt, who will be hoping for results to go their way as they attempt to catch up.
Friday’s match in Dakar will be followed by a return fixture in Monastir, Tunisia, on 15 October. The back-to-back games are seen as decisive in determining who will take control of Group G and secure early qualification for the finals in Morocco.
With high expectations from fans and a promising start to their campaign, the Lions of Teranga are under pressure to deliver. All eyes will be on Giresse’s lineup and tactics as the squad shifts into full training mode in the coming days.
