Defending champions Senegal return to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a clear mission: to retain their title and reinforce their status as one of Africa’s elite teams. Under the astute leadership of coach Souleymane Diallo, who progressed from the U20 coaching staff to the senior CHAN team, the Lions of Teranga bring a balanced, talented squad rich in experience and ambition.
Senegal has made just two appearances at CHAN prior to 2024 ; debuting in 2011 and winning the title in 2022. Their recent dominance was reflected in a commanding qualification campaign, setting the tone for a strong defense of their crown.
In preparation, Senegal accepted an invitation to the CECAFA Tri-Nation tournament as guests, competing against East African sides. Although they lost 2-1 to both Uganda and Tanzania, the matches offered valuable game time ahead of the main event prior to the Tri-nation tournament, They were involved in friendlies at their training base in Dakar, drawing with Guinea at Stade Abdoulaye Wade.
Senegal CHAN 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers
Idrissa Ndiaye (Génération Foot), Samba Mballo (US Gorée), Marc Pape Abdou Diouf (Teungueth FC)
Defenders
Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye (US Gorée), Mbaye Ndiaye (Jaraaf), Amadou Bene Coly (AJEL), J. Layouse Samb (Teungueth FC), Malick Sembène (Dakar Sacré Cœur), Baye Assane Ciss (Teungueth FC), Daouda Ba (Dakar Sacré Cœur)
Midfielders
Ousseynou Fall Seck (AJEL), Moussa Cissé (Génération Foot), Bonaventure Fonseca (US Ouakam), Serigne Moctar Koité (Jaraaf), Mbaye Yaya Ly (AS Pikine), Insa Boye (Diambars FC), Issa Kane (Casa Sports), Pape Abasse Badji (Génération Foot)
Forwards
Mapathe Mbodji (AS Kaffrine), Libasse Gueye (Teungueth FC), Christian Gomis (Essamayé FC), Oumar Ba (US Gorée), Vieux Cissé (US Gorée), Ababacar Sarr (Jaraaf), Ameth Niang (Jaraaf)
Star Watch
Marc Pape Abdou Diouf (Teungueth FC, Goalkeeper): Diouf was a standout in the 2025 Senegalese league season, keeping 13 clean sheets in 26 appearances. His leadership and shot-stopping skills helped Teungueth FC secure a top-three finish and the league’s best defensive record, making him indispensable for Senegal’s CHAN defense.
Baye Assane Ciss (Teungueth FC, Midfielder): Ciss controlled the midfield for Teungueth in 24 league matches, contributing 3 goals and 5 assists. His high pass completion rate and ability to dictate tempo make him key to Senegal’s balanced play and transitional phases.
Oumar Ba (US Gorée, Forward): Ba finished the 2025 season with 11 goals and 4 assists, playing a vital role in US Gorée’s fight against relegation. Known for his physicality and clinical finishing, Ba steps into the striker’s role for Senegal in the absence of Europe-based forwards.
Fixtures & Group Overview
Group D fixtures for CHAN 2024 will be played at Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar. The group features Senegal, Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan.
August 5 : Nigeria Vs Senegal | Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar.
August 12 : Congo vs Senegal | Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar
August 19: Sudan vs Senegal | Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar
The CHAN 2022 edition propelled Senegalese star Lamine Camara to continental and international recognition, leading to his starring role at AS Monaco and earning back-to-back CAF Young African Player of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. This serves as motivation for the current squad, offering a platform for local talent to launch themselves onto bigger stages. With a talented and motivated group, Senegal aims to defend their title and continue their legacy as African champions.
