Senegal set sights on redemption as 2025 AFCON campaign takes shape

Senegal approach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco carrying both the weight of expectation and the hunger to correct the mistakes of their previous tournament.

With one of the deepest squads on the continent and a renewed sense of purpose under coach Pape Thiaw, the Lions enter the competition determined to reclaim their status among Africa’s elite.

Senegal’s group-stage fixtures will all take place in Tangier, where they open their campaign against Botswana on 23 December at the Ibn Battouta Stadium.

They return to the same venue on 27 December for a highly anticipated clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, before concluding the group against Benin on 29 December.

Their group offers no guarantees. DR Congo stand out as the most formidable opponent, having knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

The Leopards arrive with confidence and a sense of unfinished business after their dramatic loss to Senegal in Kinshasa last year.

The encounter between the sides is widely seen as one of the marquee fixtures of the opening round.

Benin, meanwhile, continue to grow in discipline and tactical coherence under Gernot Rohr. Although they missed out on World Cup qualification, they have repeatedly proved difficult to break down and held Senegal to a draw during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

Their ability to disrupt more fancied opponents ensures they cannot be overlooked.

Botswana come in as underdogs but with renewed ambition, having secured only their second AFCON appearance in history.

qualification reflects steady progress rather than mere fortune, and they will aim to make their presence felt rather than simply participate.

Senegal’s strength, however, lies in the depth and balance of their squad.

The team’s experienced core—including Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Édouard Mendy—remains intact, while a dynamic new generation led by Pape Matar Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Pape Gueye has already assumed important roles.

A wave of emerging talents, such as Ibrahim Mbaye, Mamadou Sarr and El Hadji Malick Diouf, adds further competition across all lines.

The memory of their 2023 exit continues to motivate the squad.

Eliminated earlier than expected by Ivory Coast in the Round of 16, the Lions arrive in Morocco with a desire to restore pride and fulfil their potential.

Pape Thiaw’s ability to integrate younger players while maintaining continuity has strengthened confidence in the team’s direction.

While the final squad list has yet to be announced, the selection from the most recent international break provides a clear indication of the group’s backbone.

One major question concerns Ismaïla Sarr, who was injured while playing for Crystal Palace. His absence would be a significant setback, given his unique pace and vertical threat.

Provisional squad from the last international break:

Goalkeepers: Édouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhaté, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Ismaïl Jakobs, Antoine Mendy, Ilay Camara, Mamadou Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck
Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Pathé Ciss, Mamadou Lamine Camara, Rassoul Ndiaye, Pape Matar Sarr
Forwards: Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Boulaye Dia, Habib Diallo, Nicolas Jackson, Cheikh Sabaly, Cherif Ndiaye

With ambition running high and the squad’s potential clear, Senegal head into the 2025 AFCON with a simple mission: compete for the title and reaffirm their place at the summit of African football.