Football: Senegal line up friendlies ahead of World Cup
APA- Dakar National football coach, Aliou Cisse, on Friday, unveiled a 29- man squad for friendlies against Bolivia on September 24 and Iran three days later. Two months before the start of the Qatari World Cup, the African champions begin their preparation with two friendly matches against Bolivia and Iran. Thus, goalkeeper Mory Diaw, defenders Moussa Niakhate,…
APA – Dakar (Senegal) National football coach, Aliou Cisse, on Friday, unveiled a 29-man squad for friendlies against Bolivia on September 24 and Iran three days later.
By Ibrahima Dione
Things are starting to get serious for Senegal.
Two months before the start of the Qatari World Cup (November 20 to December 18, 2022), the African champions begin their preparation with two friendly matches against Bolivia and Iran.
These two opponents should allow the Lions to better understand their matches against Ecuador and Qatar in the group stage of the World Cup.
The Netherlands also feature in the same group.
Participating in the World Cup for the third time, Senegal does not lack ambition going into the tournament.
The Lions of Teranga are eyeing the semi-final, which has never be reached by an African team.
With this in mind, Coach Aliou Cisse is improving the dynamism of the squad by adding new players who could make the final squad for the tournament.
Thus, goalkeeper Mory Diaw, defenders Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs, Noah Fadiga (son of Khalilou Fadiga, a member of the 2002 golden generation), Formose Mendy, midfielder Pathe Ismael Ciss and striker Nicolas Jackson have received their first call-ups.
Between lack of fitness, complicated status at club level and injuries to some players, the national coach is looking for credible alternatives.
He may have the opportunity on September 24 against Bolivia (in Orleans, France) and on September 27 against Iran (in Vienna, Austria) to view these additions with more clarity.
Senegal’s list for the September FIFA window
Goalkeepers (4): Edouard Mendy (Chelsea FC, England), Seyni Dieng (Queens Park Rangers, England), Alfred Gomis (Rennes, France), Mory Diaw (Clermont, France).
Defenders (8): Kalidou Koulibaly (Chelsea FC, England), Abdou Diallo (RB Leipzig, Germany), Pape Abou Cisse (Olympiacos, Greece), Fode Ballo Toure (AC Milan, Italy), Moussa Niakhate (Nottingham Forest, England), Ismail Jakobs (AS Monaco, France), Noah Fadiga (Stade Brestois, France), Formose Mendy (Amiens, France).
Midfielders (9): Moustapha Name (Paphos FC, Cyprus), Pape Gueye (Olympique de Marseille, France), Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton, England), Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City, England), Mamadou Loum Ndiaye (Reading FC, England), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham, England), Cheikhou Kouyate (Nottingham Forest, England), Pathe Ismael Ciss (Rayo Vallecano, Spain) Krepin Diatta (AS Monaco, France).
Attackers (8): Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich, Germany), Keita Diao Balde (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Ismaela Sarr (Watford, England), Bamba Dieng (Olympique de Marseille, France), Iliman Ndiaye (Sheffield United, England), Boulaye Dia (Salernitana, Italy), Nicolas Jackson (Villareal, Spain) and Demba Seck (Torino, Italy).
