The local Senegal National Team will face Liberia in the first leg of their CHAN 2025 qualifiers on Sunday, with the Lions aiming for a vital victory that will bring them closer to securing a spot in the tournament.
The match, set for 16:00 GMT at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, represents a significant step in Senegal’s journey to defend their African Nations Championship title.
Having made a remarkable return to international competition, the Senegalese team is determined to build on their first-ever CHAN victory almost two years ago.
Coach Souleymane Diallo, leading his first official match in charge, is well-prepared for the challenge posed by Liberia.
Despite a setback during the 2023 CHAN qualifiers, when Senegal lost 1-2 to Liberia in Dakar, the team has been focused on refining their tactics for this upcoming encounter.
We have a good understanding of the opponent,” Diallo said.
In addition to my visit to Liberia to observe their match, we’ve been analyzing their defensive setup, and this week, we will focus on their offensive strategies.
The coach’s preparation reflects the importance of the fixture and his desire to start the qualifiers on the right foot.
Senegal enters this match as the reigning champions of the competition, making a strong performance essential for their qualification.
The Lions are determined not to falter, knowing their presence at the 2025 CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to 28, is a must.
While Liberia boasts key players from their A team, including goalkeeper Abdulai Koulibaly and forwards Sébastien Teclar and William Gibson, Senegal remains confident in their own squad.
Diallo can rely on a talented group of young players, such as Serigne Fallou Diouf, Serigne Moctar Koita, and Almamy Mathew Fall, who are expected to play pivotal roles in securing the win.
With a strong and dynamic squad, the Lions are well-positioned to take a significant step toward qualification for the next edition of the tournament.
The match against Liberia is crucial for Senegal, and a victory in Monrovia will set the stage for a more comfortable return leg at home in Dakar.
To avoid unnecessary pressure and ensure a smooth path to the next stage of the qualifiers, the Lions must leave nothing to chance on Sunday.
