Latest news with #SouleymaneDiallo
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Senegal
Defending champions Senegal return to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship with a mission to retain their crown and reaffirm their dominance on the continental stage. Under the astute guidance of coach Souleymane Diallo, the Lions of Teranga bring a balanced squad rich in talent and determination. After a commanding qualification campaign, Senegal aims to make history by becoming one of the few teams to successfully defend the CHAN title. Factfile Nicknames : The Lions of Teranga : The Lions of Teranga Participations in CHAN : 2 (2011, 2022) : 2 (2011, 2022) Number of Titles : 1 (2022) : 1 (2022) Best Performance at CHAN: Winners (2022) How They Qualified Senegal earned their place at CHAN 2024 with an emphatic performance in the qualifiers. They dominated Liberia with a 3-0 victory in the first leg and sealed the deal with a 1-1 draw in the return leg, ensuring a smooth path to defend their title. Players to Watch Oumar Ba (Forward, US Gorée): A versatile forward, Oumar Ba's combination of physical prowess and exceptional positioning makes him a nightmare for defenders. Known for his aerial ability and quick decision-making, Ba is expected to be a central figure in Senegal's attacking play. His knack for finding the back of the net, coupled with his tactical intelligence, adds depth to the Lions' offensive strategy. Baye Assane Ciss: Ciss, a dynamic midfielder, is another standout performer for Senegal. His vision, precision in passing, and ability to control the tempo of the game are vital assets. Ciss's ability to transition quickly between defense and attack will be pivotal in Senegal's pursuit of retaining their title. Coach Souleymane Diallo: Having transitioned from the U20 coaching staff to helm the CHAN team, Souleymane Diallo has brought a fresh perspective to Senegalese football. A tactician known for his defensive rigor and fluid offensive transitions, Diallo emphasizes high pressing and collective gameplay. His adaptability in using formations like the 4-3-3 highlights his modern approach to football. Diallo is also deeply invested in nurturing young talent, ensuring a seamless integration of emerging players into the squad. What to Expect Senegal enters CHAN 2024 with the singular goal of defending their title. Their youthful and skilled squad reflects the federation's commitment to long-term development and maintaining their position at the pinnacle of African football. While the inexperience of some players may be a challenge, their talent and hunger to succeed are expected to compensate. The Lions of Teranga are set to deliver a blend of discipline and flair as they aim for back-to-back triumphs. Fan Zone Did You Know? The CHAN 2022 tournament catapulted Lamine Camara into the spotlight. Since then, he has become a key player for AS Monaco and the Senegal senior team, earning the CAF Young African Player of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024. Senegal is ready to roar once again in East Africa, showcasing their commitment to excellence and their ambition to solidify their legacy in CHAN history.
CAF
2 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
15 days to go: Senegal not under pressure to retain CHAN title
Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo says it is important not to be overwhelmed by the pressure of being champions The tactician talks about his team's meticulous and structured preparation a few weeks before the start of the competition He also talks about the strategic importance of the CHAN for the development of domestic football Successor to Pape Thiaw, the man who led Senegal to the title of African champion at the TotalEnergies CHAN 2022 in Algeria, Souleymane Diallo now bears the responsibility of defending the continental crown. A few weeks before the kick-off of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be played in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 1-28 February, he shares his state of mind, his team's preparations and the challenges of this new edition. With a wealth of experience on the continental stage, Diallo is aware of the expectations placed on him and his squad, which is largely made up of new faces. In this exclusive interview with he talks about the pressure of being the title holder and the strategic importance of the CHAN for domestic football. The challenge is immense, but Diallo approaches this competition with serenity and a plan, ready to write a new chapter in the history of Senegalese football. CAFOnline: What is your state of mind a few weeks before the start of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship? Souleymane Diallo: I have a very good state of mind overall. I think the boys are aware of what is at stake in this competition, but we must not put ourselves under pressure. For me, the most important thing is the first game. We will have to approach it with a very good state of mind, a very good mentality, but above all an African mentality which consists of being serene first and identifying the obstacles we need to tackle. How are your preparations going? Overall, very good. The program plan that we have drawn up is proceeding normally. We have taken the boys in a training camp. We will stay there until the start of the competition. We will also have a training camp in a country bordering the three host countries (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania). Senegal is the title holder. Does this add extra pressure? No, no pressure! I am used to saying that. Pressure is important in all things. Most importantly, the source of the pressure must first be identified. If you identify the source of the pressure and you identify the nature of the pressure, for me, right now, there's no more pressure, but there's situational awareness. It's true that Senegal is African champion, but don't forget that the African champion squad is not the same squad as we have at the moment. We only have two survivors (Serigné Koita and Aboudoulaye Dieng). So, we will have to analyse strongly. Does Senegal come with its African champions or does Senegal come with the title of African champion? We have to point out the nuanced difference between these two. But what is most important, we will come to approach this competition in the best possible way, while not hiding our coat as African champions. On the contrary, this awareness of our African champion mantle pushes us to have a much more cautious approach, a much more serene approach. Why is the CHAN an important competition in your eyes? The CHAN is a very important competition. I usually tell journalists that. Already, the CHAN reflects the level of competition of the nation itself. Today, the characteristic of the CHAN is that it takes into account players playing in their local championship. Today, I tell my colleagues that we represent the championship itself, the Senegalese championship, because the CHAN will reflect the level of the Senegalese league. That's why, for me, it's a special competition, a very important competition. You were the coach of the Senegalese team at the African Games. How has this pan-African, continental experience been useful to you and will it serve you well for the CHAN? I think that today, I have a little African experience. This pan-African experience will serve as a support for us to be able to approach this competition. I have had the opportunity to do several African and world competitions. Three Junior World Cups, three Junior African Cups, two African Games. I think we will base ourselves on these experiences, on these African competitions, to be able to approach this competition in the most serene way possible. Apart from Senegal, which teams can lift the trophy? Today, it will be very, very difficult to say about the teams. You will of course agree with me that in Africa, all the teams are improving. The teams are very, very, very rigorous, both in terms of the training approach, but also in terms of management, because sporting performance is made up of two essential parameters. There are external factors and internal factors. In Africa, people are starting to work, to take these two factors into account. Previously, we were limited to the internal factors of performance. Today, most African teams work on their environment. So it will be very difficult, bordering on suicidal, to want to predict the potential winners.
CAF
09-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Senegal turn up intensity as CHAN title defence nears
Senegal's preparations for their 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) title defence have taken a serious turn, with head coach Souleymane Diallo laying down clear tactical and selection markers following a pair of hard-fought friendlies against Guinea. The defending champions concluded their two-match series with a 1-0 victory in Diamniadio on Monday, following a goalless draw in the first leg. But for Diallo, it was less about the scoreline and more about readiness—both mentally and technically—as he seeks to sculpt a final squad capable of competing for back-to-back CHAN crowns. 'This wasn't a friendly series,' Diallo said bluntly after the win. 'We treated it like CHAN itself—intense, aggressive, and with high stakes. The players had to prove themselves under real pressure.' Senegal's defensive performance over the two matches earned praise, with the team maintaining clean sheets and limiting Guinea to minimal chances. 'We stayed compact, nullified their midfield movement, and looked for quick transitions,' he said. 'The players followed instructions well, and that's exactly what we need going into the tournament.' Yet it was Diallo's approach to squad selection that grabbed attention. With a provisional list of 35 players currently trimmed down to 29 in camp, he made it clear that only those who are eligible and fully available will make the final squad. 'We're not a fitness club or stepping stone for contract hunters,' he warned. 'If a player is planning to leave for a trial abroad, he's out. The national team is for those committed to wearing the jersey during the tournament, not those using it as a platform for personal deals.' He revealed that several players had already exited the group after internal monitoring revealed they were exploring overseas options during the CHAN tournament window. 'We investigate thoroughly,' Diallo noted. 'And if there's any doubt about availability, we don't waste time.' The match series against Guinea provided exactly the kind of resistance Senegal's coaching staff was looking for. 'Guinea was no easy opponent,' Diallo admitted. 'They're quick, technically gifted, and dangerous between the lines. We leave with key insights—not just about them, but about our own readiness.' As Senegal head into the final stretch of their preparations, tactical fine-tuning and squad cohesion will dominate the agenda. With the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2–30, the Lions of Teranga are bracing for a challenging Group C, which includes Uganda, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. But Diallo is clear: CHAN isn't about glamour or individual brilliance. It's about grit, team identity, and tactical commitment. And only those who buy into that vision will board the plane.
