Senegal’s interim head coach, Pape Thiaw, is preparing to announce his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers. However, considerable uncertainty remains regarding the final choice of goalkeepers, adding a layer of suspense to his selection.
The primary point of contention is Clermont goalkeeper Massamba Ndiaye.
Initially expected to be included in the lineup, Ndiaye, who also captains Senegal’s U23 team, has now been removed from consideration for the senior squad.
While Ndiaye’s exclusion comes as a surprise, it appears that the 24-year-old may need to wait a bit longer before he joins the senior team’s ranks for competitive matches.
Meanwhile, Seyni Dieng, the Queens Park Rangers (QPR) goalkeeper, is reportedly confirmed to be part of Thiaw’s selection.
Dieng’s steady performances in both domestic and international play have bolstered his case as a dependable option for the Lions of Teranga.
Though Dieng is likely to feature prominently, questions still surround the availability of Senegal’s renowned goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Mendy, who recently returned from an injury, has yet to be confirmed for the qualifiers.
The former Chelsea star, who now plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has been a fixture in Senegal’s goal during recent tournaments and was instrumental in their AFCON 2021 victory.
His potential absence could open the door for Dieng to play a more central role in Senegal’s efforts to qualify for AFCON 2025.
The decision to keep Ndiaye with the U23 squad rather than promote him to the senior team raises questions about Senegal’s long-term goalkeeping strategy.
Ndiaye has been lauded for his leadership as captain of the U23 side and has shown strong form in recent games with Clermont.
Many Senegalese fans had expected Ndiaye’s inclusion in the senior squad as a signal of a potential future transition, given his age and consistent performances.
However, with Thiaw’s selection process still underway, the absence of Ndiaye points to a cautious approach regarding his development.
For now, it seems the coach is prioritizing established experience within the senior squad over testing new talent in critical qualifying games.
The uncertainty around Mendy’s availability adds another layer of intrigue to the lineup decision.
Mendy, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, is recovering from an injury that sidelined him in recent months.
While he is fit to play again, whether he will be match-ready for the upcoming qualifiers remains in doubt.
Should Thiaw decide against including Mendy in the squad, the Senegalese manager may turn to Dieng as his primary goalkeeper.
Dieng, who has shown resilience and reliability in his appearances with QPR, would bring stability to the Senegalese defense in Mendy’s absence.
However, without Ndiaye or Mendy, Thiaw may have to consider other options to ensure Senegal’s backline remains solid in these crucial qualifying matches.
Senegal’s national team is preparing to compete in key matches that will determine their qualification for AFCON 2025.
After a successful AFCON 2021 campaign and a solid showing in recent international fixtures, the team faces high expectations.
The Lions of Teranga are looking to not only qualify but also to continue the form that led them to the championship title.
Fans across Senegal are eagerly awaiting Thiaw’s final roster announcement, hoping it will reflect both experience and depth, particularly in goalkeeping.
With Seyni Dieng confirmed but questions lingering over the roles of Ndiaye and Mendy, the suspense surrounding the squad is expected to persist until Thiaw reveals his choices.
As Senegal gears up for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, the goalkeeper selection remains one of the key storylines, with fans eager to see how Thiaw manages his available options.
