Senegal coach: Sakho out of African Cup with back injury

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) - Senegal coach Alain Giresse says striker Diafra Sakho will not go to the African Cup of Nations because of a back injury, a major blow to the team's chances.

Giresse says the West Ham forward was struggling to move because of his back and won't be in Senegal's final 23-man squad. Giresse says Sakho will be replaced by Moussa Konate of Swiss club Sion.

However, Giresse retained Southampton midfielder Sadio Mane in an extended group of players while his leg injury is evaluated. Southampton has said Mane cannot play in the Jan. 17-Feb. 8 event because of a calf muscle problem. Giresse hasn't yet announced his final squad.

Senegal faces Ghana, South Africa and top-ranked African team Algeria in Group C in the tournament's toughest group.