Senegal head coach Serigne Saliou Dia has announced a 23-man squad for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, as the reigning champions prepare to defend their title in Egypt from 27 April to 18 May.
Among the notable inclusions is midfielder Pape Douada Diong, who currently plies his trade with French side Strasbourg.
The promising young talent is expected to play a key role in Senegal’s campaign as they look to replicate the success of their previous tournament triumph.
However, the squad announcement also brought confirmation of a significant absence.
Amara Diouf, one of Senegal’s most exciting young prospects, will not be part of the group travelling to Egypt.
The forward is recovering from a knee injury and has been ruled out of the competition.
Senegal has been drawn into Group C, where they will face tough opposition in Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.
The group promises intense competition, with each team aiming to make a strong start in the tournament.
Coach Serigne Saliou Dia has opted for a balanced squad, combining local league standouts with players gaining experience abroad.
His selection reflects a focus on tactical versatility and depth, as the team prepares to navigate a demanding schedule in their pursuit of back-to-back titles.
The young Teranga Lions enter the competition with high expectations following their victory in the previous edition.
That success raised the profile of Senegalese youth football, and the current squad will be under pressure to deliver another strong showing.
With the absence of Amara Diouf, the spotlight will now fall on other attacking players to fill the void and step up on the continental stage.
Coach Dia and his technical staff will be relying on the team’s collective discipline and resilience to guide them through what promises to be a highly competitive group.
Senegal’s campaign begins later this month, with preparations now entering their final phase.
The squad is expected to assemble in the coming days for a pre-tournament training camp before departing for Egypt.
As the countdown continues, all eyes will be on the defending champions to see whether they can live up to expectations and secure another historic U20 AFCON title.
