Setbacks for Senegal: Boulaye Dia and Seny Dieng Withdraw Ahead of AFCON 2023
The preparations of Senegal, the defending champions, for the 2023 AFCON Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast have been seriously shaken by the recent withdrawals of two key players, Boulaye Dia and Seny Dieng. With just a few days remaining before the kickoff of this prestigious tournament, coach Aliou Cissé must now cope with the absence of these two crucial elements in his squad.
These withdrawals add an element of uncertainty to the campaign of the Lions of Teranga , who aim for a second consecutive title in this continental competition.
In response to this situation, Cissé has turned to internal solutions to compensate for these absences.
Thus, the striker from Lorient, Bamba Dieng, makes his return to the team despite a fluctuating start to the season.
Bamba Dieng was already part of the victorious team in 2022 in Cameroon and also represented Senegal in the last World Cup in Qatar.
Alfred Gomis, the goalkeeper, will step in to replace Seny Dieng.
«It’s a very sad situation for players like Boulaye Dia and Seny Dieng. It was crucial to go into the tournament with players in top form. I had hoped that would be the case, unfortunately»! laments Aliou Cissé.
«Bamba Dieng is familiar with the team environment and is returning from an injury, which is important. With Alfred Gomis as well, we maintain continuity within the current group. The atmosphere is excellent within the team, confidence is high. The team has shown solidarity, and everyone is ready to play», concludes the Senegal national coach.
Source: Infos-sports
