Cisse looking forward to Bafana clash

Senegal coach, Aliou Cisse

Senegal coach, Aliou Cisse, has described his side’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier Group D Day Two clash away to South Africa a “prestigious match” in African football.

The former Teranga Lions captain told the media that the two teams should help give a good image of African football when they face off in Polokwane, about 300 km from Johannesburg on Saturday, 12 November 2016.

“It will be a prestigious match that will also be followed in Africa and around the world. It will be a hotly contested match between two great teams,” said Cisse.

Meanwhile, the Senegal trainer has unveiled a 24-man squad for the trip to South Africa.

Abdullah Ndour of French second-tier side, Strasbourg was handed a maiden call up whilst veteran forward Moussa Sow misses out through a shoulder injury. England based Mame Birame Diouf returns after sitting out the home win over Cape Verde.

Senegal sits atop the group after a 2-0 victory against Cape Verde in October, whilst South Africa managed a point after a 1-1 draw in Ouagadougou against Burkina Faso. Cape Verde will face Burkina Faso in the other Group D clash in Praia.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Abdoulaye Diallo (Rizespor, Turkey), Khadim Ndiaye (Horoya, Guinea), Pape Seydou Ndiaye (ASC Niary Tally)

Defenders: Lamine Gassama (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Fallou Diagne (Werder Bremen), Ibrahima Mbaye (Bologna, Italy), Kara Mbodj (Anderlecht, Belgium), Zargo Toure (Lorient, France), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli, Italy), Saliou Ciss (Valenciennes, France), Abdullah Ndour (Strasbourg, France)

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton, England), Cheikh Ndoye (Angers, France), Cheikhou Kouyate (West Ham, England), Pape Kouly Diop (Espanyol, Spain), Pape Alioune Ndiaye (Osmanlispor, Turkey), Younousse Sankharé (Lille, France), Mohamed Diame (Newcastle, England)

Forwards: Famara Diedhiou (Angers, France), Mame Birame Diouf (Stoke City, England) Moussa Konate (FC Sion, Switzerland), Sadio Mane (Liverpool, England), Keita Balde Diao (Lazio, Italy), Ismaila Sarr (Metz, France).