Senegal prepares reinforcements ahead of AFCON 2023 amidst injuries

Senegal’s national football team is facing potential setbacks as key players Boulaye Dia and Seny Dieng are anticipated to miss the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Coach Aliou Cissé hinted at this development on Sunday, revealing that the injuries sustained by the center forward and replacement goalkeeper before the commencement of the rally are likely to rule them out of the tournament.

While the news comes as a semi-surprise, considering the early injuries, Cissé is wasting no time in securing replacements for the Lions.

The coach has already enlisted two reinforcements who are poised to join the squad. Bamba Dieng, a 23-year-old forward with 18 caps and 3 goals, and Alfred Gomis, a 30-year-old goalkeeper with 16 caps, have been called up.

Both players were initially excluded from the final list but were part of the preselection.

Hailing from FC Lorient in Ligue 1, France, Dieng and Gomis are set to join their club teammate Formose Mendy.

Notably, they were also part of the victorious Senegalese squad at the last AFCON in Cameroon in 2022.

Despite injuries affecting Dieng’s playing time during the first part of the season, the striker has managed 2 goals in 7 appearances in Ligue 1.

His anticipated arrival was confirmed by media source 13football. Additionally, French outlet L’Equipe reported that Senegal has contacted FC Lorient regarding the attacker.

Gomis, currently on loan from Rennes to FC Lorient, has been serving as Yvon Mvogo’s understudy.

He participated in only one match with the Breton side, during a recent Coupe de France clash against Sochaux, ending in a 2-1 defeat.

As Senegal navigates the challenges posed by injuries, the inclusion of Dieng and Gomis aims to fortify the squad for the demanding campaign in the upcoming AFCON 2023.

The Lions, led by Coach Cissé, are determined to make a significant impact despite these early setbacks.

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— 13football_com (@13footballC) January 7, 2024