Just a month ago, AFCON champions Senegal lost the off field battle with France. A new Aston Villa member, and former Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara had been linked with a call-up by Senegal, for whom he was eligible through his father. But, the World Cup winners France have called him up and now he hopes to stake his claim for a place in the squad as they prepare to defend their title in Qatar in November and December. He will wait probably until tomorrow for his first cap as France host Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Friday. But, Senegal managed to ‘strike back’ and claim another French international to their ranks.Countries with the most players in the top 5 European leagues – Senegal in the top 10Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate, decided to switch alliances and plays for Lions of Teranga in the future. Niakhate already has 11 caps for the France U19 and U20 selections, but never played in the first team, which makes him available for Senegal. Mainz defender talked with Senegal coach Aliou Cisse, about the subject and revealed to RMC Sport back in April that he made up his mind, but didn’t announced his decision until now.21.45: (1.75) France (3.70) Denmark (5.40)”I can just say it’s the choice of the heart. It’s what drives me, it’s the way I see things. It would be hypocritical for me to wait and be opportunistic. I have chosen and I will privilege my heart”, he had explained to RMC.Niakhate has been preselected, after a convincing season, by the France team for the next four League of Nations matches in June. From German sources, the defender wanted to send the message to the French Football Federation, via his club, that he had chosen to play for Senegal now. The player was not called by Cisse in June, but he expects coach’s call in September, when Senegal plays against Mozambique.
