Senegal have named their 23-man squad for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
Noted as one of the quality sides in Africa, the Teranga Lions are expected to display top-notch performances as they represent the fifty four-nation continent.
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye of Everton headline coach Aliou Cisse’s strong squad.
Announcing his team at a press conference, the 42-year-old gaffer said he favoured cohesion, continuity and competitiveness in his selection.
“For the last three years we’ve been together, this group is working well. We have focused on continuity and cohesion. But the criteria of competitiveness has also come into play.”
He however explained that their preparations will not begin with two key members of his side.
“Khadim Ndiaye(AC Horoya) and Sadio Mane(Liverpool) will not be available for the start.”
“Horoya will play in the Caf Champions League match against Sundowns on May 22 and Mane will play in the Uefa Champions League against Real Madrid on May 26,” he concluded.
Check the full squad below:
Goalkeepers: Abdoulaye Diallo (Rennes, France), Alfred Gomis (SPAL, Italy), Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya, Guinea);
Defenders: Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Saliou Ciss (Valenciennes, France), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli, Italy), Kara Mbodii (Anderlecht, Belgium), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux, France), Salif Sane (Hannover, Germany), Moussa Wague (Eupen, Belgium);
Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton, England), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United, England), Alfred Ndiaye (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Badou Ndiaye (Stoke City, England), Cheikh Ndoye (Birmingham City, England), Ismaila Sarr (Rennes, France);
Forwards: Keita Balde (Monaco, France), Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke City, England), Moussa Konate (Amiens, France), Sadio Mane (Liverpool, England), Mbaye Niang (Torino, Italy), Diafra Sakho (Rennes, France), Moussa Sow (Bursaspor, Turkey).
Senegal's list of players going to the @FIFAWorldCup. 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/5L0VbEzYFf
— FSF (@FootballSenegal) May 17, 2018
Senegal will prepare for the World Cup with two friendlies, first against Luxembourg on 31 May followed by a warm-up fixture against Croatia on 8 June.
The Teranga Lions are placed in Group H with Poland, Japan and Colombia.
Their friendly against Croatia offers a perfect opportunity to face an European opponent before their first group clash against Poland on June 19. The Vatreni on the other hand, will use the game as a West African study for their group D opponents Nigeria.
The 2002 Afcon semi finalists are returning to the World Cup since 2002 in Japan/Korea – their first appearance. They reached the quarter final stage and were eliminated by Turkey after losing 1-0 on extra time.
3⃣0⃣ DAYS TO GO! 🏆🇷🇺
Pape Bouba Diop's famous match-winner for @FootballSenegal against France in the 2002 #WorldCup came with 30 minutes on the clock 🇸🇳🙌 pic.twitter.com/saBjVRzXal
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 15, 2018
