Senegal Squad Overview: Lions chase AFCON redemption in North America

Pape Thiaw’s side head to North America with revenge firmly on the agenda. A 1–0 victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final looked to have brought home a historic second title in four years but in extraordinary circumstances Senegal were stripped of the title two months later, having essentially forfeited the match when Morocco were awarded a late penalty.

A country which has failed to progress past the round of 16 in their past three FIFA World Cup’s, the Morocco debacle will inevitably add fuel to the fire to a squad littered with Premier League stars and a wealth of European experience.

Nonetheless, navigating through a group with France, Norway and Iraq pose a plethora of challenges – yet one which the Lions of Teranga will be looking to embrace by being widely regarded as the best African outfit in the tournament.

Key Defender – El Hadji Malick Diouf

Despite suffering relegation with West Ham United this season, the attack-minded left-back has been a bright spark in a hugely disappointing campaign in East London with 32 league appearances to his name.

Having signed for the Hammers in the summer for £19 million from Slavia Prague, Malick Diouf showcased his excellent attacking abilities with his pinpoint crossing delivery and desire to overlap the left-winger.

This has prompted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Leeds United with five assists this season in an otherwise lacklustre attacking side – an impressive return that underlines his creativity from a defensive position.

The 21-year-old is set to be a pivotal member of the Senegal squad and also provide a key attacking outlet alongside the ever-present Sadio Mane ahead of him in the left-wing role.

Key Midfielder – Habib Diarra

An influential part of Sunderland’s extraordinary seventh-place finish to secure UEFA Europa League football for next season, Habib Diarra will be a key cog in Senegal’s midfield machine alongside Everton’s Idrissa Gueye.

He had a four-year stint at Strasbourg where made just under 100 appearances in Ligue 1, impressing as a teenager within a first-team environment which prompted his move to the Stadium of Light last summer.

Competition is rife in the Lions of Teranga midfield but Diarra’s tireless work-rate in a box-to-box position could prove crucial in games they will be looking to dominate.

Key Forward – Iliman Ndiaye

While Mane grabs the spotlight, with the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star featuring in his final World Cup, Iliman Ndiaye has shone for Everton this term with six goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has been a regular in David Moyes’ side in the past two seasons with his elite dribbling causing problems for many Premier League defences this term and his versatility to play on the flanks and in an attacking midfield position proving crucial.

Already with 39 caps to his name for the Lions of Teranga and having experience of playing in Qatar in the last World Cup, Ndiaye is one of a handful of star-studded forwards in this side that will be hoping to progress past the first knockout stage for the first time since 2022.

Full Senegal squad

Goalkeepers

Mory Diaw; Yehvann Diouf; Edouard Mendy

Defenders

Ilay Camara; Krepin Diatta; El Hadji Malick Diouf; Ismail Jakobs; Kalidou Koulibaly; Moustapha Mbow; Antoine Mendy; Moussa Niakhate; Mamadou Sarr; Abdoulaye Seck

Midfielders

Lamine Camara; Pathe Ciss; Habib Diarra; Idrissa Gana Gueye; Pape Gueye; Pape Matar Sarr; Bara Sapoko Ndiaye

Attackers

Assane Diao; Bamba Dieng; Nicolas Jackson; Sadio Mane; Ibrahim Mbaye; Cherif Ndiaye; Iliman Ndiaye; Ismaila Sarr