SENEGAL: DEMBA BA SNUB RAISES QUESTIONS OVER GIRESSE’S SELECTION CRITERIA
The exclusion of Demba Ba from Senegal’s squad to face Egypt and Botswana in the AFCON 2015 qualifiers has sparked controversy, particularly after coach Alain Giresse cited an ankle injury as the reason.
However, this justification has been seriously called into question:
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Journalists pointed out that Ba completed the full match against Fenerbahçe without any visible injury.
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The striker then followed up by scoring two goals in a Europa League win over Partizan Belgrade — a performance that directly contradicts claims of unfitness.
🔥 In Top Form, But Ignored
Statistically, Demba Ba is Senegal’s most prolific striker in Europe this season:
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9 goals in all competitions
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3 in the Champions League qualifiers
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4 in the Europa League
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2 in the Turkish Süper Lig
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Given this form, his omission raises serious doubts about Giresse’s selection criteria.
❓ Mistrust and Mixed Signals
The fact that Giresse’s medical explanation appears inaccurate or misleading has further eroded trust. It also fuels speculation that Ba’s exclusion may have non-sporting motives, possibly related to tactical disagreements or off-field dynamics.
⚖️ Conclusion: A Controversy That Won’t Go Away
With crucial matches looming, leaving out a fully fit and in-form striker like Demba Ba has left fans and pundits bewildered. If Giresse’s reasons were tactical or disciplinary, the lack of transparency only damages his credibility further.
As Senegal looks to seal AFCON qualification, this controversy risks overshadowing the team’s preparation — and could come back to haunt them if goals prove hard to find.
