Africa-Press – Gambia. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has named his 28-man final squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, selecting three players carrying injuries as the reigning African champions prepare to defend their crown in Morocco.
The Teranga Lions, who lifted the trophy for the first time in 2022, begin their campaign on 23 December against Botswana before facing Benin and DR Congo in Group D.
Despite concerns over fitness, Thiaw insists all three doubtful players are expected to recover in time for the tournament.
A major talking point is the inclusion of Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Assane Diao, all of whom had been considered doubtful for the competition.
Assane Diao suffered a thigh injury for Como last weekend.
Habib Diarra has not played since undergoing groin surgery in September for Sunderland.
Ismaila Sarr has missed Crystal Palace’s last three matches after suffering ankle ligament damage against Manchester United.
Thiaw, however, said he was “confident the medical staff will recover them in time,” stressing their tactical importance and experience at international level.
Senegal’s core remains intact, featuring established stars across Europe and the Gulf.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly, attacking icon Sadio Mané, and midfield anchor Idrissa Gana Gueye all make the squad, while Pape Matar Sarr, one of Africa’s most exciting young midfielders, will play a central role after a strong season with Tottenham.
Up front, Thiaw has named a dynamic and varied attack.
Boulaye Dia, Habib Diallo, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, and Cherif Ndiaye provide depth and versatility, giving Senegal one of the most potent forward lines in the competition.
In defence, Moussa Niakhaté, Ismail Jakobs, Antoine Mendy, Abdoulaye Seck, and rising prospect Mamadou Sarr join Koulibaly in forming a unit built on physical presence and athleticism.
The goalkeeping department includes experienced Edouard Mendy, in-form Le Havre keeper Mory Diaw, and Nice’s Yehvann Diouf.
Thiaw said Senegal’s goal was clear: “We are here to go as far as possible. This team has the talent and maturity to compete again at the highest level.”
With a balanced squad and confidence in their recovering stars, Senegal head to Morocco as one of the heavy favourites to win the tournament.
Senegal squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are:
Goalkeepers
1.Mory Diaw-Le Havre
2.Yehvann Diouf -Nice
3.Edouard Mendy-Al Ahli
Defenders
4.Ilay Camara-Anderlecht
5.Krépin Diatta-Monaco
7.Ismail Jakobs-Galatasaray
10.Moussa Niakhaté-Olympique Lyonnais
12.Abdoulaye Seck-Maccabi Haifa
Midfielders
13.Lamine Camara-Monaco
15.Habib Diarra-Sunderland
17.Pape Gueye-Villarreal
18.Pape Matar Sarr-Tottenham Hotspur
Forwards
19.Boulaye Dia-Lazio
20.Habib Diallo-Metz
21.Assane Diao-Como
22.Nicolas Jackson-Bayern Munich
23.Sadio Mané-Al Nassr
24.Ibrahim Mbaye-Paris Saint-Germain
25.Cherif Ndiaye-Samsunspor
26.Iliman Ndiaye-Everton
28.Ismaila Sarr-Crystal Palace
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