Key Absences for Tunisia and Senegal Ahead of Crucial CAN Qualifiers
By BBC News Staff
Tunisia and Senegal will both be without key players as they prepare to face off in the third and fourth rounds of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers — a double-header that could heavily influence the final standings in their group.
For Tunisia, midfielders Jamel Saihi and Sami Allagui have officially withdrawn from the squad despite being named in the original selection by head coach Georges Leekens. The nature of their absence has not been detailed, but the decision leaves Tunisia without two experienced internationals in a campaign that has so far seen them demonstrate strong form.
On the Senegalese side, coach Alain Giresse will also be forced to make adjustments. Four regulars — Cheikhou Kouyaté, Lamine Sané, Mame Biram Diouf, and Pape Souaré — have all been ruled out of contention for the upcoming fixtures. These are notable losses for a squad that prides itself on its physicality and depth, particularly in defence and attack.
Both teams remain among the favourites to secure qualification to the 2015 CAN tournament in Morocco, with Tunisia currently benefiting from strong performances and home support in Monastir. However, the double clash with Senegal is set to be one of their toughest challenges yet.
The back-to-back fixtures will test the depth and adaptability of both sides, with coaching staff now having to reshuffle their lineups and potentially call on less-experienced players to step into crucial roles.
With qualification on the line, the stakes remain high — even in the absence of several star names.
