As the second round of qualifying for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) approaches, Souleymane Diallo, coach of the Local Lions, revealed a list of 21 players to face the Lone Stars of Liberia. After months of preparation at the Jules François Bocandé center, the defending champion team is preparing for a trip to Monrovia on December 22, followed by the return match at the Abdoulaye Wade stadium on December 28. This list provoked numerous reactions among local football specialists, who lent themselves to an in-depth analysis.
Ousmane Harry Cissé, consultant and local football specialist: Does Souleymane Diallo really know the local players?
Looking at the list, we notice that 95% of the players come from Ligue 1, with very few representatives from divisions like the National. And there, a question arises: on what criteria did the coach base himself to make his choices? Absentees like Cheikh Ndoye, Ibrahima Seck or Moussa Diallo from Wallydan, although in great form, are surprising. Moussa Diallo, for example, is having a good season, but he is not selected. For what ? On the other hand, players who do not necessarily shine in the championship are on the list. There is also the case of Jaraaf. We could have had five or six players from this club, which plays in the group stage of the CAF Cup. Fallilou Fall, very fit, or Abdoulaye Diédhiou, experienced, deserved their place. Let’s look at Al Hilal in Sudan: they sent nine players to the national team, despite the CAF Cup. So why not us? Another point: there is no professional right back in this selection. Frankly, to say that there are no good right-backs in the championship, even in the National, is difficult to believe. Does Souleymane Diallo really know the local players? Does he follow the matches regularly? Madione de Teungueth, who does not score, is summoned, but Moussa Diallo remains at the dock. That’s interesting, isn’t it?
Abdou Soumaré, local football specialist: “the team seems homogeneous and well thought out, despite some questions about certain choices”
If we look at the list, only two players among the winners of the recent edition were selected: the goalkeeper of Linguère, Pape Abdoulaye Dieng, and Serigne Moctar Koité of Jaraaf. This shows that this is a completely new team. Among the 21 players called up, 19 are new. Souleymane Diallo had time to observe the players with 8 days of the championship already played. He was therefore able to make his choices with full knowledge of the facts, to put together the most competitive team possible, even if the absence of a professional right-back remains a point to criticize. On the offensive side, he selected players who were in good shape. For example, the top scorer in the championship, Almamy Teuw Fall, as well as Ibrahima Seck, who also scored 5 goals, even if the latter is injured in his adductor muscles and is awaiting departure. Other players like Mamadou Junior Soumaré, Seydina Madione Mbaye, who is having an excellent start to the season, or Ababacar Sarr were also selected. In midfield, the choices are consistent with Koïta, Issaka Kane, and Seydou Ndiaye, the latter currently being the best player in the Senegalese championship. The Dakar Sacré-Cœur player impresses with his volume of play. The selection also includes Ben Makhaba, one of the best sentinels in the championship. In defense, we find solid elements like Serigne Fallou Diouf and Baye Assane Cissé. But the absence of a right back remains a notable weakness. Maybe Souleymane Diallo has his reasons, but personally, I would have included a player like Fallou Fall. Overall, the team seems homogeneous and well thought out, despite some questions about certain choices.
Regarding the match against Liberia, it will not be a walk in the park. Last year, we beat them 4-1 at home, but they came to surprise us in Dakar by winning 3-1. They play with a local selection, but they have had several friendly matches and qualifying matches for the CAN and the World Cup. For our part, it’s always the same problem: we lack preparation and friendly matches, a trend that affects all our selections, except the A team. The challenge is enormous for Souleymane Diallo. It is the only Senegalese selection which has not yet obtained qualification. As title holders, we must defend our trophy. Elimination would be a bitter failure, not only for the coach, but also for local football. Despite the criticism on the list, we hope that the team will be able to bring a good result to Liberia to finish the job at home. We believe it, because Senegal must stay at the top!
Laye Terry, coach: “We have carried out a total renewal of the squad, which can be a handicap”
Making a list is never easy. There will always be controversies: some will agree, others will not. But Souleymane Diallo surely has his reasons. He organized several courses to observe the players and take the time to make his choices. That said, as observers, we have comments. Let’s take the example of Cheikh Lô Ndoye. Maybe he wasn’t picked up because he’s coming back from a long trip and could use some rest. But, at least, we must recognize that Souleymane has called up very good goalkeepers, like Marc and Amar Dieng, who are excellent choices. Another remark concerns the absence of a right back. It’s surprising, even if the coach undoubtedly has his explanations. Then, we note that he selected three defensive midfielders. Massaer de Lajel, who is one of the most prominent players in the championship, deserved a place. Is he injured or is it a tactical choice? We don’t know, but it’s a decision that calls attention to. In attack, nothing special to say: the choices seem coherent.
Concerning the preparation, there is a big difference with the team which won the CHAN under Pape Thiaw. At the time, the team had played several matches before the qualifiers, such as the COSAFA tournament and friendly matches. Souleymane Diallo was not so lucky. His friendly matches with local Senegalese teams are not enough to reach a competitive level against an opponent like Liberia. Liberia, in fact, has a backbone that plays with the A team, which makes them more competitive and experienced. For our part, we have carried out a total renewal of the workforce, which can be a handicap. In 2022, this same Liberian team almost eliminated us and remains the first to have beaten Senegal on the lawn of the Abdoulaye Wade stadium. They could use this exploit to put us in trouble. The first leg in Monrovia will therefore be important. We will have to negotiate this meeting carefully to maximize our chances when we return home. It will be a tough game, but it’s up to the Lions to prove that they are the defending champions and deserve to defend their trophy.
wiwsport.com
