Ahead of every major tournament, there is always plenty of fanfare surrounding call-ups to the national team, as every player eagerly anticipates receiving the honour of representing their country at the highest level.
The same goes for Senegal's AFCON 2023 squad, which is yet to be announced.
When will Senegal's AFCON squad be released?
A handful of players deserve a place in Aliou Cisse’s squad based on form, ability, and experience – but who will actually make it to AFCON 2023? Well, we still don't know exactly, but we do have some idea since the Senegal manager already submitted a provisional 55-man squad to CAF and is expected to name his final list on or before January 3, 2024, which is the official deadline.
With the countdown to the 2023 AFCON ticking down, Senegalese football fans have been eagerly refreshing social media, waiting for the announcement of their nation’s AFCON squad. However, they will have to wait a little longer, as there is are plans for Cissé to announce his squad to the Senegal press on January 8, 2024, three days after CAF’s deadline.
It is uncertain whether Cissé is delaying the squad announcement to allow injured players like Seny Deng, Youssou Sabaly, Nampalys Mendy, Gana Gueye, and Boulaye Dia to regain fitness before finalizing his squad.
Can Senegal defend the title?
Despite the unfortunate situation with injuries, the pressure on the Terranga Lions coach and his team is significant. The success in the last tournament has inevitably heightened expectations and Senegal aims not only to defend its title but also to establish its dominance in African football.
It's worth noting that Sadio Mané-led side will kick off the tournament in Group C against Gambia on January 15, followed by a game against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon four days later, and then against Guinea on January 23.
Senegal will go into the tournament as the defending champions having defeated Egypt in the previous edition to win the maiden AFCON trophy. Their camping is scheduled to commence on December 30, 2023.
