Senegal Face Setback as Diafra Sakho Risks Missing 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign has hit another obstacle. While the scare surrounding Sadio Mané’s fitness appears to have passed, the news is far less optimistic for striker Diafra Sakho.
The West Ham United forward has been sidelined with a back injury and, according to the English club’s medical staff, could be out for two to five weeks. This timeline puts his participation in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 17, in serious doubt.
Sakho, who has been in fine form since arriving in England from FC Metz, has become an important attacking asset for the Lions of Teranga. His absence would be a major blow to coach Alain Giresse, especially with the team already facing high expectations in a difficult Group C featuring Ghana, Algeria, and South Africa.
However, there is still a glimmer of hope. West Ham’s medical team remains cautiously optimistic:
“Diafra has the ability to recover very quickly, and we hope he’ll be back on his feet sooner than expected. If that’s the case, we could see him back as early as January 16.”
A return by that date would mean Sakho might just make it in time for the tournament’s kickoff — but it remains a race against the clock. Senegal will no doubt monitor his situation closely in the coming days.
With uncertainty looming, Senegal’s coaching staff may need to prepare a backup plan to bolster their attack if Sakho is ultimately ruled out.
