Ivory Coast, Senegal and Madagascar impress with strong international friendly wins
Ivory Coast, Senegal and Madagascar all recorded strong performances in their international friendly matches over the weekend.
Senegal lose rising star Assane Diao ahead of AFCON opener against Botswana
The 20-year-old's participation had been in doubt after he sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Como against AS Roma in Serie A earlier this week, SuperSport reported
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) officially confirmed his withdrawal over the weekend.
"Medical examinations conducted by the national team's medical staff revealed a hamstring injury in his right leg, resulting in his withdrawal from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations," the FSF said in a statement. "We wish Assane Diao a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the pitch very soon."
Diao, who previously represented Spain at under-21 level, has endured a challenging start to his senior international career, hampered by recurring injuries. Since opting to play for Senegal, he has only earned two caps, both during the World Cup qualifiers in March.
The AFCON tournament was expected to be a key opportunity for him to establish himself in the senior squad.
Senegal have already been hit by another injury setback with the loss of defender Ilay Camara, and the federation has yet to announce a replacement for Diao ahead of Tuesday's match.
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Senegal's football leadership has strongly pushed back against a controversial decision by CAF to strip the nation of its AFCON title, vowing to fight what they describe as an unjust ruling.
CAS confirm Senegal appeal lodged over AFCON final decision
Senegal's battle to reclaim their Africa Cup of Nations crown has gone to the highest legal stage in sport, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport now tasked with resolving one of the most contentious disputes in recent African football history.
Idrissa Gueye offers to return AFCON medals amid Morocco-Senegal dispute
Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye has taken a defiant yet conciliatory stance following the controversial reversal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, insisting his team earned the title on merit.