AFCON 2023: Senegal faces squad woes ahead of crucial clash with Guinea
As Senegal’s national football squad gears up for their third and final group-stage match in the AFCON 2023 tournament, concerns loom over the team’s roster, with the session set to take place behind closed doors at 5 p.m. today.
In a departure from yesterday’s open session, where journalists had the opportunity to observe the team’s preparations and engage with players, today’s training gallop will be shrouded in secrecy, barring public attendance.
The team’s health concerns have been a persistent challenge for the technical staff, with injuries plaguing the squad from the initial stages of AFCON 2023 preparations to their arrival in Yamoussoukro.
Abdallah Sima, an attacker, recently withdrew from the squad, leaving a void in the team’s offensive lineup. Bamba Dieng’s absence during yesterday’s session raised additional questions, while Moussa Niakhate, who remains unavailable, trained alongside Youssouf Sabaly during the Senegal vs. Cameroon match.
A particular cause for concern is the status of Lamine Camara, a standout performer with two goals in the tournament so far.
Despite participating in the initial two group matches, Camara sustained an injury last Friday, forcing him to leave the field with a noticeable bandage on his ankle.
Though absent from yesterday’s session, Camara expressed optimism about his health, aiming to dispel any worries.
As the squad faces uncertainty about the completeness of its roster, the team’s key players are expected to return to the pitch at the Yamoussoukro annex for a comprehensive session on Sunday, in preparation for the crucial match against Guinea scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m.
The outcome of today’s closed-door session is anticipated to provide clarity on the availability of key players and the overall state of the team ahead of this crucial encounter.
