The Teranga Lions qualified as one of Africa's representatives at the upcoming World Cup in Russia after going amiss in the last three editions. They will feature alongside Poland, Japan, and Colombia in Group H.
Coach's Objective
Senegal will make its second appearance on the world stage this summer after a fairytale debut in the tournament back in 2002. The West Africans, in their first attempt, reached the quarter-final stage but were eliminated by Turkey after conceding in extra-time. With that serving as a yardstick, the side led by Coach Aliou Cisse will aim at usurping the likes of Poland, Japan, and Colombia as they aim to surpass the feat attained some 16 years ago.
New Faces
After debuting in Senegal's 2-0 win over Cape Verde back in 2017 and topping that by impressing for Torino in the just ended league season, M'Baye Niang has been deservedly named in the 23-man squad. Another recent addition who also made the 23-man shortlist include Youssouf Sabaly and Alfred Gomis. The former has so far managed two caps whereas the latter has just one for the Teranga Lions.
Veterans
Goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye, Moussa Sow, and Cheikh N'Doye and Kara Mbodii were all included in the squad list to provide the needed experience for the Group H indwellers.
Absentees
The most notable one is of course Everton's Oummar Niasse. The forward scored eight goals in 22 league appearances this season for his Merseyside club. Alongside him is Crystal Palace's Pape Souare and the injured Armand Traore. The likes of Adama Mbengue, Fallou Diagne, Famara Diedhiou and Henri Saivet remain on the reserve list.
Full squad
Goalkeepers : Khadime Ndiaye (ASC Diaraf), Alfred Gomis (SPAL), Abdoulaye Diallo (Rennes).
Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Salif Sane (Schalke 04), Moussa Wague (Eupen), Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor), Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Kara Mbodji (Anderlecht), Saliou Ciss [Valenciennes].
Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Badou Ndiaye (Stoke City), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham United), Alfred Ndiaye (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Cheikh Ndoye (Birmingham City).
Forwards: Mame Diouf (Stoke City), Moussa Konate (Amiens), Moussa Sow (Bursaspor), Mbaye Niang (Torino), Diafra Sakho (Rennes), Keita Balde (Monaco), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Ismaila Sarr (Rennes).
