Coach Diallo defends CHAN squad as Senegal prepares for title defense

Senegal local national side coach Souleymane Diallo defended his choice of players for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The defending champions are drawn in Group D alongside Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria.

Diallo led Senegal in two friendly games against Guinea this July. His selection of players was questioned by the local media, but the coach defended his decision. According to Wiw Sport, Diallo said this group includes new faces:

Diallo was firm in his stance that national team pride is paramount and individualism has no place. “Under these conditions, there is no question of using the national team’s resources for personal gain. No player who is about to leave will be called up simply to train or maintain their fitness. Only those who are fully available and eligible to compete in the competition will be part of the squad,” added Diallo.

The head coach has selected 28 players for the CHAN preparations, and he is expected to trim the squad after training camp. Senegal will kick off their title defense against Nigeria in Zanzibar.