With expectations high and history on their side, Senegal have laid down an early marker ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Head coach Pape Thiaw has unveiled a powerful 28-man squad, blending proven stars with emerging talent, as the reigning African champions set their sights on a second continental crown.

At the heart of the squad is talismanic forward Sadio Mané, whose leadership and experience remain central to Senegal’s ambitions. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest players and among the finest wingers of his generation, Mané will once again be tasked with inspiring the Lions of Teranga on the biggest stage.

Senegal have been drawn into Group D of the 35th edition of the AFCON, where they will face Benin, Botswana, and DR Congo. While the group may appear manageable on paper, Thiaw has made it clear that his side will approach the tournament with caution and respect for every opponent.

The squad selection highlights Senegal’s impressive attacking depth, with no fewer than 10 forwards named. Alongside Mané are Premier League striker Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Boulaye Dia, Chérif Ndiaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Habib Diallo, Ibrahim Mbaye, Cheikh Sabaly, and Assane Diao — a lineup that underlines the team’s firepower and versatility in the final third.

In midfield, Thiaw has opted for a balance of experience and energy. Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye and Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Matar Sarr anchor the unit with Premier League pedigree, while Villarreal’s Papa Gueye and Sunderland’s Habib Diarra add depth and tactical flexibility.

The defensive line is equally formidable, led by seasoned campaigners such as Kalidou Koulibaly of Al Hilal and Moussa Niakhaté of Olympique Lyonnais. They are joined by El Hadji Malick Diouf of West Ham United and Abdoulaye Seck of Maccabi Haifa, forming a backline built on strength, discipline, and experience.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Thiaw — himself a member of Senegal’s historic 2002 World Cup squad — acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead but expressed strong belief in his players.

“It will not be easy at all. These are all teams that have proven themselves,” he told CAFOnline.com. “There are no more small teams in Africa, but we are Senegal, and we will do everything to be there.”

He added that while DR Congo and Benin are well-known adversaries, Botswana must not be underestimated. “Our aim is clear — to win every game and progress as far as possible. Our goal is to clinch our second AFCON title, and we will fight to make it happen,” Thiaw said.

Senegal’s recent AFCON pedigree supports their confidence. After decades of near misses — including runner-up finishes in 2002 and 2019 — the West African nation finally lifted their first AFCON trophy in 2021, defeating Egypt on penalties after a goalless final. Their qualification for the 2025 tournament was equally impressive, as they went unbeaten with five wins and a draw, joining Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt among the few teams to achieve that feat.

The Lions of Teranga will begin their campaign against Botswana at the Tangier Grand Stadium on December 23, before facing DR Congo at the same venue on December 27. Their group-stage journey will conclude against Benin on December 30.

As Senegal chase history once more, the blend of experience, depth, and belief within Thiaw’s squad positions them firmly among the favourites to lift the trophy in Morocco.