Krépin Diatta’s rise: Senegal’s undroppable Monaco man heads into AFCON final against Morocco | OneFootball

Krépin Diatta has become indispensable for Senegal as they prepare for the AFCON final against Morocco. The Monaco winger turned full-back is now a fans’ favourite.

According to Nice-Matin, he joined Monaco in 2021 and, amid regular churn, is one of their longest-serving players. Unused until mid September and left off Monaco’s Champions League list, he has since reasserted himself.

Since late December, only Édouard Mendy, Idrissa Gueye and Diatta have played every minute for Senegal. Stationed on the right, he has married defensive rigour with thrust, including a vital late recovery tackle against Sudan.

His delivery has counted. Against Benin he set up Abdoulaye Seck in a 3-0 win, then in the quarter-final against Mali he created Iliman N’diaye’s winner in a 1-0 victory. At 26, he averages 7.7 passes per match in the final third.

From Casamance in the south, he has even had a roundabout near Dakar renamed for him, complete with a painted portrait. He missed the 2021 triumph after a knee injury with Monaco and watched from home.

Lifting this AFCON, five months before the World Cup and a meeting with France, would be fitting for such dedication. He has said talent in the south often lacks visibility, and that he was fortunate to get a chance.

Another ASM player, Lamine Camara, has featured in every game but started only once. The Niçois Yehvann Diouf and Antoine Mendy have not featured.

Source: Nice-Matin