Head coach Cheikh Sarr has trimmed his Senegal women’s national basketball team roster to 13 players as preparations ramp up for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pre-qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle, according to reports from Dakar. The newly shaped squad features the high-profile return of guard Cierra Dillard and the integration of Khadija Faye, while veteran guard Mathilde Diop has been omitted from the selection.
Roster Adjustments and Key Selections Under Cheikh Sarr
The latest training camp cut leaves the Lionnes with a core group of 13 athletes tasked with carrying the nation’s ambitions through the preliminary stages of the Olympic qualification pathway. Inside the paint, Khadija Faye has joined the group to bolster frontcourt depth, though Yacine Diop remains absent from the active selection according to regional sports media.
Preparation Context for the Los Angeles 2028 Pathway
The squad continues its daily workouts under strict supervision, with further roster evaluations expected before the final tournament registration deadlines.
Next Steps for the National Team
The 13 selected Lionnes will continue their closed-door training camp in Dakar before coaching staff make the final cuts required for upcoming FIBA competition lists.
Keep reading
