The Lions of Teranga will head into the 35th edition of the AFCON drawn in Group D alongside Benin, Botswana, and DR Congo. Having won the AFCON in 2021, Senegal will be seeking a second trophy.
Thiaw’s squad reflects Senegal’s remarkable depth in the attacking area: 10 forwards have been selected, including Mane, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time and one of the best wingers of his generation. Nicolas Jackson has also been called up.
Others in the striking area include Ismailia Sarr, Boulaye Edia, Cherif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Habib Diallo, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cheikh Sabaly, and Assane Diao.
Senegal’s midfield revolves around a blend of Premier League talent. Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye and Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr provide the needed experience, while Papa Gueye of LaLiga club Villarreal, Habib Diarra of Sunderland further strengthen Thiaw’s team.
In defence, Kalidou Koulibaly of Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, and Moussa Niakhate of Olympique Lyonnais are among the experienced heads and will be joined by El Hadji Malick Diouf of West Ham United, and Abdoulaye Seck of Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Haifa.
Senegal will open against Botswana
In a recent interview, Thiaw, who was a 2002 FIFA World Cup participant with Senegal, acknowledged they will face a tough campaign but is confident in the team’s ability to challenge for a second AFCON title.
“It will not be easy at all. These are all teams that have proven themselves,” Thiaw told CAFOnline.com. “There are no more small teams in Africa, but we are Senegal, and we will do everything to be there.”
The former international added: “We know the strengths of DR Congo and Benin, but we must not underestimate Botswana. Our aim is clear—to win every game and progress as far as possible.
“Our goal is to clinch our second AFCON title, and we will fight to make it happen. We have shown what we are capable of, and we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of victory.”
In 2021, Senegal delivered their first-ever AFCON title. Their qualification campaign was dominant, with five wins and a draw. They are one of only eight teams to have remained unbeaten during the qualifiers, joining the likes of Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.
Senegal hosted the 1992 African Cup of Nations, where they made it to the quarter-finals, and finished as runners-up in both 2002 and 2019. Senegal would finally win their first AFCON title in 2021, defeating Egypt in the final on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time.
The Lions of Teranga’s first appearance in the AFCON was in 1965, when they lost 1-0 to the Ivory Coast for fourth place. Senegal will start their campaign against Botswana at Tangier Grand Stadium on December 23rd, before coming up against the Leopards at the same venue on December 27th.
Senegal will wind up their group fixtures against Benin on December 30th.
