Senegal have unveiled a 26-player squad blending established stars with emerging talents for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, as coach Mame Moussa Cisse targets progression from a demanding Group A.
Marathon day ends with flag presentation
It was a frenetic Monday for Senegal’s women’s national team as preparations for the continental showpiece intensified. Head coach Mame Moussa Cisse first released the names of the players selected to represent the country on Moroccan soil.
Later in the day, the Lionesses were formally presented with the national flag – a symbolic moment that underlined the scale of expectation on a squad hoping to make a deeper run at the tournament.
Senegal have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, North African rivals Algeria and Kenya, in what is expected to be a fiercely contested pool.
Experience meets new blood
Cisse has opted for a balance of seasoned internationals and newcomers making their debut at this level.
Rising talents Khadija Badio and Sokhna Nogaye Pene are set for their first taste of major continental competition. They will be nurtured alongside core senior figures such as influential forward Nguenar Ndiaye, prolific attacker Mama Diop and midfield leader Ndeye Awa Diakhate.
These experienced players are expected to carry much of the responsibility as Senegal aim to navigate a group that includes the tournament hosts and two tricky regional opponents.
Strong spine across the pitch
The final list confirms stability in key areas of the pitch, starting with the goalkeepers.
#### Goalkeepers
– Adji Ndiaye
– Tening Sene
– Khady Faye
The trio between the posts offers depth and competition, with Adji Ndiaye widely seen as a reference point in the position.
#### Defenders
– Meta Kande
– Wolimata Ndiaye
– Mareme Babou
– Anta Dembele
– Aissatou Fall
– Mbayang Sow
– Mbene Diop
– Adama Sane
In defence, Cisse has gone for a broad range of options, combining physical presence with versatility. Players such as Mbayang Sow and Anta Dembele bring solidity at the back, while others can operate across several roles in the back line.
Midfield engine packed with options
#### Midfielders
– Mariama Faty
– Sadigatou Diallo
– Fatoumata Drame
– Bineta Korkel Seck
– Korka Fall
– Safietou Sagna
– Dieynaba Ndaw
– Awa Diakhate
– Sokhna Nogaye Pene
The midfield group is built to offer both defensive cover and creative thrust. Awa Diakhate stands out as one of the key organisers, while youngsters such as Sokhna Nogaye Pene are expected to bring energy and fresh ideas in the centre of the pitch.
Firepower in attack for Senegal
#### Forwards
– Nguenar Ndiaye
– Seynabou Mbengue
– Khadija Badio
– Ndeye Awa Casset
– Mama Diop
– Pascaline Bassene
In attack, Senegal will rely heavily on the goals and experience of Nguenar Ndiaye and Mama Diop, supported by forwards like Seynabou Mbengue and Pascaline Bassene. Newcomer Khadija Badio adds another option in the final third as Senegal look to increase their cutting edge in front of goal.
With the squad now confirmed and the flag officially handed over, attention turns fully to Morocco 2026, where Senegal’s Lionesses will attempt to make their mark in a challenging group and push towards the latter stages of the Women’s AFCON.
