Senegal will have to cope without Sadio Mané for their opening match against Tanzania at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but coach Aliou Cissé appears confident in the squad’s ability to adapt.
To fill the void left by the Liverpool winger, Cissé will turn to Keita Baldé Diao of Inter Milan. Baldé Diao shares many of Mané’s qualities—pace, direct attacking threat, and ability to stretch defenses—making him a logical replacement for the first group-stage clash. His inclusion ensures that Senegal can maintain their offensive style while awaiting the return of their star forward for subsequent matches.
Senegal has already shown promising form in the lead-up to the tournament, having secured a 1-0 victory against Nigeria in a friendly as part of their AFCON preparations. With a balanced squad and tactical flexibility, the Lions of Teranga aim to start the competition strongly despite the temporary absence of one of their key players.
The 2019 AFCON, held from June 21 to July 19, represents a major opportunity for Senegal, and the team is expected to integrate Baldé Diao seamlessly into the lineup to preserve their attacking threat and overall competitiveness.
