Having won bronze at Afrobasket Angola-2025, Senegal returns to the continental arena with the goal of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. The Lions begin their campaign this Thursday against Ivory Coast, at the Marius Ndiaye stadium (9 p.m.), in the context of Group B of the second window of the qualifiers organized in Dakar from February 26 to March 1, 2026.

The goal is to secure one of the five African tickets for the World Cup and offer themselves a sixth participation in the global event.

To achieve this, Ngagne Desagana Diop's men will need to achieve a perfect record in a group that also includes Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. A victory in their opening match against the Elephants would give the Lions a significant advantage in this mini-tournament on home soil.

Following on from the Angola campaign, the coach has retained the core of his squad. Despite the absence of Brancou Badji for the clash against Ivory Coast and of pivot Amara Sylla, the Lions of Teranga have received notable reinforcements with the return of Babacar Sané and Cheikh Bamba Diallo.

This sub-regional derby promises to be decisive. Ivory Coast, former African champions, are ranked 3rd in Africa (36th in the world), ahead of Senegal (5th in Africa, 45th in the world).

Even without the experienced Solo Diabaté, the Elephants are counting on a group made up of local and expatriate players, including naturalized pivot Kévin Yebo, to aim for first place in the group.