Abdoul Aziz Fall has declared himself fully fit and ready to help Senegal defend their title at the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
The talented midfielder, who missed the U17 World Cup due to injury, is now back in peak condition and eager to contribute to his nation’s success.
A Long-Awaited Return to Full Fitness
Having been sidelined for an extended period, Fall worked through rehabilitation at Diambars before making his return to competitive football with Essamay.
Since his transfer in February, he has featured in a match and found the net, marking his resurgence with a goal. Now back in the national fold, he is expected to play a key role in Senegal’s title defense.
While Fall did not feature in Senegal’s recent 2-0 friendly victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, he was on the bench and is anticipated to return to action in the next fixture, scheduled for Sunday in Thiès.
Focused on the Challenge Ahead
Speaking to Wiwsport, Fall expressed his determination and excitement about competing in the U20 AFCON:
“I had been preparing with the team for a while, especially during the UFOA period, but I didn’t want to rush things.
I was out for a long time due to injury and focused on my rehabilitation at Diambars.
After joining Essamay in February, I played a match and scored a goal before having to travel for reasons I prefer to keep to myself (laughs).
Now, I am in top physical shape and fully ready for the AFCON.”
The young midfielder emphasized the squad’s strong mentality, praising the team’s unity and performance against the DRC:
“The group is solid, and we put in a great display against the DRC, proving our quality.
We are now focused on the next match and continuing our preparation. Our main goal remains the same: defending Senegal’s colors and, most importantly, winning the trophy.”
Senegal’s Ambitions for AFCON 2025
As defending champions, Senegal heads into the U20 AFCON with high expectations.
Under the guidance of Serigne Saliou Dia, the team is determined to retain the title they secured at the previous edition.
With Fall returning to the fold, his presence in midfield could prove crucial in their quest for back-to-back triumphs.
The tournament, set to take place from April 26 to May 25, 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire, will be a true test for the Lionceaux as they aim to reaffirm their dominance in African youth football.
Fall’s return adds further depth to an already strong squad, increasing hopes of another championship-winning campaign.
