Mbengue, Sow back for Senegal

Senegal defender Cheikh Mbengue

Senegal restored experienced defender Cheikh Mbengue and striker Moussa Sow to their 23-man squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon.

The pair had missed November’s World Cup qualifier in South Africa but both return to participate at their third Nations Cup tournament.

Henri Saviet of St Etienne was also recalled by coach Aliou Cisse for the three-week tournament where Senegal play in Group B against Algeria, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.

The squad includes 12 players who competed at the last Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea, where Senegal failed to get past the first round despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Senegal open their campaign in Franceville on Jan. 15 against Tunisia in Franceville.

Squad:Goalkeepers: Abdoulaye Diallo, Khadim Ndiaye, Pape Seydou Ndiaye

Defenders: Saliou Ciss, Lamine Gassama, Kalidou Koulibaly, Cheikh Mbengue, Kara Mbodj, Zargo Toure

Midfielders: Mohamed Diame, Pape Kouly Diop, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate, Pape Alioune Ndiaye, Cheikh Ndoye, Ismaila Sarr

Forwards: Famara Diedhou, Mame Biram Diouf, Diao Balde Keita, Moussa Konate, Sadio Mane, Henri Saivet, Moussa Sow