Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Sofiane Diop and Andy Diouf, all rumored to be on the verge of joining the squad for the upcoming international break, will not all feature in Aliou Cissé's squad.While it's taken for granted that Messinois will be celebrating his first call-up, midfielders from Nice and Lens will not be part of the squad.
Senegal will have some new faces in their squad, but not all the players expected.
The midfield is sure to be one of Senegal's next big projects. With many of its key players now well into their thirties, this sector of the game is set to benefit from some new blood as the Lions prepare for the next round of matches, starting with the CAN 2023. With this in mind, a number of new faces are set to make their appearance in Aliou Cissé's next list, to be announced on Friday September 1. Senegal are due to face Rwanda on the final day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers, and Algeria in a friendly.
Sofiane Diop and Andy Diouf still absent
The Senegalese press has announced the reinforcements of four players for these two matches. Lamine Camara (Metz), Habib Diarra (Strasbourg), Sofiane Diop (Nice) and Andy Diouf (Lens) could all be called up for the first time. However, fans will be disappointed to learn that two of the four will not be donning the national jersey in September. Long-sought-after Sofiane Diop, who is also being courted by Morocco, will not be with the Lions. Although it was announced that the player from Nice had given the green light to play for Senegal, Sport News Africa has learned that he has not yet said yes to Senegal. The player's entourage, as well as Sofiane Diop, learned of his possible selection through the media, much to their astonishment.
The same goes for Andy Diouf. Very much in evidence under his new colors since the start of the Ligue 1 season, the Lens player will not be present in September.And yet, he is the binational who has been the most approached by the Senegalese Football Federation in recent weeks."He's been contacted, but his decision to join Senegal is not a topical one. He's done his bit with the French national team at youth level, so it's logical that he should be tempted to see how far he can go," says a federal source. Although the exchanges were inconclusive, the player's entourage indicated that Andy Diouf was following Senegal's performances and was "delighted with the interest and contact with coach Aliou Cissé and Lamine Diatta, and is not closing the door definitively."
Lamine Camara takes the plunge
However, Senegalese fans will be able to console themselves with two new faces who were also expected, starting with Lamine Camara.Winner of the CHAN 2022, then of the U20 AFCON at which he was named best player, the midfielder will be on hand to celebrate his first cap. Sport News Africa has learned that the Messinian has received his official call-up and should therefore see his name included in Aliou Cissé's list this Friday. It's the next logical step after an impressive first eight months, which saw him establish himself in the FC Metz squad as soon as he arrived from Génération Foot.
Another choice addition is Habib Diarra. The Strasbourg-born player, rumoured to be on his way to the Premier League, is also in the Lions' sights. A native of Guédiawaye, he shone last season and ended up catching the eye of the coach. After playing for the French U19 team, he is expected to return to his homeland and join the Tanière. These two players, with their profiles and volume of play, should add real value to the Senegalese midfield.
