It's a devastating blow for the Senegalese national team on the eve of the tournament: Assane Diao, injured, has to miss his first Africa Cup of Nations. While the disappointment is immense for the Como (Italy) player, the Senegalese squad immediately rallied around their young international.

“It’s always disappointing to lose a player like Assane,” Kalidou Koulibaly admitted. The captain of the Lions of Teranga understands the weight of this absence: “For a player, participating in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup is a dream. Unfortunately, he won’t have the opportunity to play in this AFCON.”

The precedent of Édouard Mendy as a source of hope

In this ordeal, Assane Diao can count on the experience of his elders. Édouard Mendy, who himself experienced the trauma of withdrawing due to injury during the 2019 AFCON, has naturally emerged as his mentor.

“It was Édouard who spoke the most with Assane, giving him advice on how to manage this frustration,” revealed captain Koulibaly. A powerful historical reminder, since Mendy, after his disappointment in 2019, came back stronger to give Senegal their first title in Cameroon thanks to his decisive saves during the penalty shootout.

"Come back for the final"

Despite physically leaving the training camp to return to his club, Como, to begin his treatment, Assane Diao remains, in spirit, a full member of the squad. "We kept him with us as long as possible. When he left, we told him he absolutely had to come back and join us if we reach the final," Koulibaly added.

This cohesion extends beyond the circle of players present in Morocco. The staff emphasizes the importance of maintaining contact with those who remained at home, like Ilay Camara who continues to check in regularly.

“We must respect them on the pitch and give our all to allow them to experience something great with Senegal. Whether inside or outside the group, the essential thing is to have one heart and aim as far as possible. That is how we will bring back those who are absent,” concluded Kalidou Koulibaly in a vibrant message of unity.