Coach Aliou Cissé named his 26-man squad for the upcoming fixtures, featuring a new face: striker Cherif Ndiaye. The 28-year-old’s impressive season with Red Star Belgrade, where he scored 20 goals, earned him a call-up despite his lack of prior national team appearances.
Cissé justifies Ndiaye’s inclusion due to fitness issues and injuries plaguing other attackers like Bamba Dieng and Boulaye Dia. The latter’s recent controversy with his club did not deter Cissé from selecting him.
Senegal’s primary goal is to return to the World Cup stage after their defeat in the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022. To achieve this, they must finish atop their group.
Cissé acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly against DR Congo, who impressed in the recent Africa Cup of Nations. He emphasizes the importance of focused preparation for both matches, including the “complicated” encounter with Mauritania.
The squad will begin training on June 2nd before facing DR Congo on June 6th at the Abdoulaye Wade stadium in Diamniadio.
ODL/ac/fss/abj/APA