CAN 2024 is fast approaching and national teams are actively preparing for this major competition in African football. For Senegal, reigning champion, the stakes are high: defending their title won in 2022 in Cameroon. This is why Aliou Cissé, the coach of the Teranga Lions, revealed the list of 27 players who will proudly represent their country in Ivory Coast.
The list, revealed at a press conference, includes many familiar names, including those of key players in the Senegalese national team. Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Sadio Mané, all African champions in 2022, will be present to defend the colors of their country.
It is interesting to note that almost half of the players selected by Aliou Cissé were already present during Senegal’s historic victory in 2022. Eight starters from the final against Egypt are part of the squad, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy , defenders Koulibaly and Diallo, as well as attackers Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr. This continuity in the composition of the team shows the confidence placed by the coach in these players who have already proven themselves on the international scene.
However, the team’s preparation is not without difficulties. Some players are currently injured or in the recovery phase, which could pose a problem for the start of the competition. Aliou Cissé is nevertheless confident, affirming that he has room to maneuver in terms of selection until the first match of the CAN.
Before joining Ivory Coast, the Senegal Lions will regroup in Dakar and play a friendly match against Niger on January 8. This will be an opportunity for the team to refine its strategy and refine its cohesion before the start of the competition.
CAN 2024 will begin for Senegal with a hot derby against Gambia on January 15. The Lions will then have to face Cameroon and Guinea in Pool C. The objective is clear: win the trophy again and confirm the supremacy of Senegal on the African football scene.
In conclusion, the list of players selected by Aliou Cissé for CAN 2024 demonstrates the confidence placed in the key players of the Senegalese national team. Despite some injury-related constraints, the team is determined to defend their title and provide great performances for the supporters. All eyes will be on Ivory Coast next January, where Senegal will attempt to once again demonstrate its superiority on the pitch.