West Ham’s Sakho Ruled Out Of Afcon 2015

Senegal will be without West Ham striker Diafra Sakho at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) due to a recurrent back injury.

Sakho had been due to arrive in Dakar on Tuesday for further assessment with the Senegal medical staff, but coach Alain Giresse has confirmed that the 25-year-old has problem with his movement.

“Sakho is not on the list of 23 players, his back problem is even preventing him from moving,” said Giresse.

Diafra Sakho Celebrates Scoring for West Ham in a Premier League Game against Liverpool at Upton Park. Image: Getty.
Diafra Sakho Celebrates Scoring for West Ham in a Premier League Game against Liverpool at Upton Park. Image: Getty.

He will be replaced by 21-year-old FC Sion forward Moussa Moussa Konate.

Sakho has scored eight Premier League goals this season. The recent recurrence of the back problem forced him off against West Bromwich Albion after scoring in the 1-1 league draw on January 1.

The ‘Teranga Lions’ will depart for Morocco, where they will round off preparation for the Afcon finals. While in Morocco they will play two friendly matches against Gabon on 9 January and then Guinea four days later.

The 2015 Afcon begins on January 17 through February 8.

Senegal will open their campaign against Ghana in Mongomo on January 19 before taking on South Africa four days later. Their final group game comes up on January 27 against 2014 World Cup last-16 debutantes Algeria.