Senegal Faces Challenges Ahead of Crucial CAN 2015 Qualifier Against Egypt
Senegal’s preparations for the first round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers have encountered early hurdles ahead of their September 5 clash with Egypt.
Since arriving in the coastal town of Saly Portudal, some 70 kilometers from Dakar, head coach Alain Giresse and his staff have struggled to assemble the full squad of 23 Lions called up for the double-header against Egypt and Botswana five days later.
During Monday’s first training session, only ten players were present, with the squad notably missing several key figures. Among the confirmed absences was striker Demba Bâ, who withdrew and was replaced by local AS Pikine player Sangoné Sarr, a national champion and cup winner.
Giresse attributed the incomplete squad to the ongoing European summer transfer window, which has kept several players busy with last-minute club moves. Indeed, three prominent Lions — Moussa Konaté (from Krasnodar to FC Sion), Mohamed Diamé (from West Ham to Hull City), and Sadio Mané (from Red Bull Salzburg to Southampton) — completed transfers on Monday, explaining their delayed arrival.
Despite these disruptions, the coach remained upbeat, affirming that the team possesses capable replacements to fill the gaps left by Bâ and others. “We have players who can step up, and the Egyptians will see that we are ready to defend our home turf,” Giresse said confidently.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian squad is scheduled to arrive in Dakar on Wednesday afternoon via special flight from Aswan, about 843 kilometers south of Cairo. They are expected to return to Cairo the evening after the match to prepare for their subsequent fixture against Tunisia.
Senegal’s full squad is expected to be in place by Tuesday evening during a closed-door training session, allowing the team to finalize preparations for this high-stakes qualifier on home soil.
