By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Senegal forward Assane Diao has been withdrawn from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) through injury, Senegalese Football Federation confirmed.
Diao (20) participation in the tournament had been in doubt all week after he injured his hamstring while playing for Como against AS Roma in Serie A on Monday.
“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,” said a statement.
“The Senegalese Football Federation wishes Assane Diao a speedy recovery and hopes to see him back on the pitch very soon.”
Diao has only two caps, both earned in March during the World Cup qualifiers. The Cup of Nations was meant to be a significant step towards establishing himself in the senior squad.
Senegal have already lost defender Ilay Camara to injury and have yet to announce a replacement for Diao.
The 2022 champions are one of the favourites to go all the way at AFCON in Morocco given their star-studded squad.
Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Pape Matar Sarr, Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson will be involved.
Senegal have been drawn in Group D and are up against Botswana in opening match on Monday.They then face DR Congo and Benin, with a top-two finish sending them into the knockout stages.