Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Monday Dec 15, 2025. 11:00
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has taken a gamble, naming three injured players in the nation’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 44-year-old coach has called up the injured Assane Diao, Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr.
Diao suffered a thigh injury playing for Como in the Serie A last weekend, Diarra has not played for Sunderland since undergoing groin surgery in September, and Sarr has not featured in Crystal Palace’s last three games due to ankle ligament damage suffered in the Eagles’ loss to Manchester United.
Despite the severity of their injuries and lack of recent playing time, Thiaw stated he is “confident the medical staff will recover them in time” and defended their selection, emphasising their international experience and tactical importance.
The Lions of Teranga will be captained by former Napoli and Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and boasts a star-studded squad which includes Nicolas Jackson, Edouard Mendy, Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, Habib Diallo, Iliman Ndiaye, Mamadou Sarr and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Senegal will be looking to return to the top of the pile after claiming its first and only AFCON title in 2022 and Thiaw is intent on guiding his side to glory.
“We are here to go as far as possible. This team has the talent and maturity to compete again at the highest level,” he said.
By Nic Gleeson