Dakar, December 22, 2023 — Aliou Cissé, the coach of Senegal’s national football team, popularly known as the Lions, has revealed an extensive preliminary squad of 55 players for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Senegal is set to commence its AFCON campaign on January 15 against Gambia, followed by matches against Cameroon and Guinea on January 19 and January 23, respectively.
The extended roster features familiar names, including Nampalys Mendy (31 years old, RC Lens) and Youssouf Sabaly (30 years old, Real Betis), both of whom are currently nursing injuries.
While their inclusion is a positive sign, their final participation in the tournament will hinge on their physical condition as the squad is trimmed down.
Intriguingly, the preliminary list introduces several new faces, underlining the emergence of young talents in Senegalese football.
Notable additions include Arouna Sanganté, the captain of Le Havre, Ibrahima Wadji from AS Saint-Étienne, Barcelona’s Mamadou Fall, U23 internationals Rassoul Ndiaye and Moussa Ndiaye, and U20 international Seydou Sano.
While their presence in the preliminary squad is a testament to their promise, it remains uncertain whether they will secure a spot in the final squad for the tournament in Ivory Coast.
Senegalese football enthusiasts must exercise patience as the final list of 27 players will be announced on January 3.
With Cissé casting a wide net with the initial selection, the anticipation grows as to which players will make the cut for the defending champions.
Senegal, led by star player Sadio Mané, who clinched the last CAN title in 2022, will undoubtedly attract keen attention as they aim to defend their championship status and showcase the formidable quality within their ranks on the African football stage.
