Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has unveiled his 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, including three players currently carrying injuries as the reigning African champions prepare to defend their title.
The Teranga Lions, who won their first AFCON trophy in 2022, will kick off their campaign on 23 December against Botswana, before facing Benin and Democratic Republic of Congo in Group D. Despite concerns over fitness, Thiaw remains confident that all three doubtful players will recover in time for the tournament.
Among the notable selections are Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Assane Diao, all of whom had been considered doubtful. Assane Diao sustained a thigh injury playing for Como last weekend, Habib Diarra has not featured since undergoing groin surgery in September for Sunderland, and Ismaila Sarr has missed Crystal Palace’s last three matches following ankle ligament damage against Manchester United.
Thiaw has stressed that the inclusion of these players reflects their quality and the team’s ambition to defend the AFCON crown successfully.
–ChannelAfrica–
