Senegal’s head coach, Souleymane Diallo, has unveiled his 21-player squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 qualification matches against Liberia.
As reigning champions, Senegal will aim to defend their title, beginning their campaign in the second round of qualifiers after being exempt from the first due to their status as holders.
After months of intensive preparation at the Jules François Bocandé training centre, Diallo’s squad is ready for the challenge ahead.
Senegal’s first encounter with Liberia will take place in Monrovia on December 22, followed by the return leg at the Abdoulaye Wade stadium in Diamniadio on December 28.
For this critical double-header, Diallo has assembled a balanced mix of experienced players and young talents.
The squad includes several players who have been in strong form this season, with some notable absences due to international commitments.
Key omissions include Ibrahima Seck of US Gorée and Abdou Aziz Diop of Jaraaf, both of whom are currently abroad for medical tests.
Despite Jaraaf’s ongoing involvement in the CAF Cup, some of their players have made the list, including Marc-Philippe Douf, Amar Fall, and Pape Abdoulaye Dieng.
However, goalkeeper Cheikh Ndoye has been replaced by Douf.
The squad is a blend of youth and experience, with players like Fallou Diouf, an African U17 champion, and Moctar Koité, who lifted the 2023 CHAN title with Senegal, bringing depth to the team.
Other prominent names include Mamadou Soumaré, the current top scorer of Dakar Sacré-Cœur, and Ibrahima Dieng, a rising star from AS Pikine and a member of the Senegal U20 squad.
Diallo’s selection reflects his trust in a cohesive unit, capable of withstanding the pressure from a reinvigorated Liberian team, who recently eliminated Sierra Leone in the first round of qualifiers.
Senegal’s task is clear: to secure a win in order to progress and defend their continental crown.
In the last CHAN qualification campaign, Senegal defeated Liberia in the same round before going on to lift the trophy in Algeria.
The upcoming matches are pivotal for Senegal’s journey towards a successful defense of their CHAN title, and the team’s focus will be on securing a positive result in the opening match, setting the stage for a strong return leg.
