During the November international break, Senegal encountered significant difficulties in finding a second opponent after Brazil. This was revealed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which plans to organize one final friendly match at home before traveling to the host country of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking to RTS, the national broadcaster, the Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Sow, addressed the situation, explaining the reasons for these complications.
According to him, several national teams declined Senegal’s offer. “Many teams don’t want to play Senegal. Some are afraid of our standing,” he explained, specifying that “four or five countries refused” without revealing their identities. Ultimately, only Kenya agreed to face the Lions during this FIFA international window, resulting in the match scheduled for this Tuesday in Antalya.
Abdoulaye Sow also provided details on the upcoming preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on December 21. Senegal is expected to play one final friendly match at home. “We will play a match in Dakar on December 13. We are in discussions with four or five countries. It will be a farewell match. We will also receive the national flag around the same time,” he revealed. This aligns with the wishes expressed by coach Pape Thiaw when the squad list was announced at the beginning of the month. He had told the press about the importance of this moment of connection between the team and its fans.
This meeting in Dakar will be the final stage of the Lions’ preparation before their departure for the Africa Cup of Nations.
wiwsport.com
