AFCON 2025: Ilay Camara ruled out as hamstring injury ends Senegal dream

Ilay Camara will not feature at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Senegal confirmed that the defender has withdrawn from the tournament with a hamstring injury.

The Senegalese Football Federation announced the decision in an official statement released on Tuesday morning, delivering a significant setback for the Lions of Teranga ahead of the competition in Morocco, which runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

Camara, who plays his club football with Anderlecht, sustained the injury during his most recent match.

Medical examinations carried out after his arrival in Dakar confirmed the seriousness of the problem and ruled him out of the tournament.

“An MRI scan conducted in Dakar today revealed a grade II muscle injury to his right hamstring,” the federation said.

“As a result, he will not take part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.”

The news brings an abrupt halt to what promised to be a landmark moment in the 22-year-old’s career.

Camara had prepared to feature in his first major international tournament with Senegal and had hoped to challenge for a place in the squad during the month-long competition.

Senegal now faces the task of reshaping its defensive plans just days before the start of the tournament.

Camara’s pace and energy at right-back offered valuable options for the coaching staff, and his absence reduces depth in an area where consistency often proves vital over a demanding schedule.

The federation has yet to name a replacement for the Anderlecht defender, leaving questions over how the squad will adjust ahead of their opening fixture.

Officials have not indicated when an announcement will follow or whether the coaching staff will opt for an experienced alternative or turn to a younger option.

For Camara, attention now shifts to recovery and rehabilitation, with hopes of returning to full fitness later in the season.

For Senegal, the focus remains on regrouping quickly as preparations continue for an Africa Cup of Nations campaign that begins without one of its promising young defenders.

Communiqué FSF : Forfait du joueur Ilay Camara pour la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations, Maroc 2025. pic.twitter.com/k3HiYSedDo

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) December 16, 2025