Senegal trim preliminary squad to 16
DAKAR (FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017) - Six players are no longer part of Senegal's preliminary squad for the upcoming FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017.
After three weeks of training camp in the Senegalese capital Dakar, head coach Moustapha Gaye has left out Sabelle Diatta, Maimouna Diarra, Diary Diouf, Aida Fall, Ndeye Fall and Ndeye Syll.
| Senegal 16-player preliminary squad for FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 | |||
| Ramata Daou | Fatou Dieng | Ndeye Khadidiatou Dieng | Mame Diodio Diouf |
| Aminata Fall | Dado Faye | Elma Kinta Malou | Oumou Khairy Sarr |
| Ndeye Sene | Aicha Sidibe | Mame Marie Sy | Sokhna Lika Sy |
| Oumou Khairy Thiam | Oumou Kalsoum Toure | Astou Traore | Aya Traore |
However, it remains to be cleared if Diarra, who is in her WNBA season debut with the Los Angeles Sparks, is definitely out of Gaye's plans or if she will join the team at a later stage.
After all, the 1.98m center rebounder specialist has become fundamental for the reigning African champions in recent years.
Nevertheless, point guard Fatou Dieng is calling on her teammates to remain wary about other title contenders.
"This AfroBasket is going to be a bit tough," Dieng said. "Most teams will be strengthened. In 2015, there were quite a few teams that were good in the competition.
"This year, however, I think it's going to be a bit more competitive. Angola, Mali, we still remember what happened in 2011 [Senegal lost to Angola in the final]. So we will have to work twice as hard so that this does not happen again.
"It will be necessary to put the doubles in order to be present because Senegal is expected at each competition. It is up to us to take up the challenge and try to bring back the cup here. "
This year's FIBA Women's AfroBasket will take place in Mali, from August 18-27, and it serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain.
FIBA
