Inter Milan’s Keita Balde out of Senegal duty amid communication howler

Keita Balde has been ruled out of Senegal's 2019 Africa Cup of Nation qualifier against Equatorial Guinea after his call-up letter was sent to Inter Milan's old email address.

The 23-year-old who is currently on loan with the Nerazzurri from Monaco was invited to join Aliou Cisse’s side for the encounter against Nzalang Nacional at the Estadio de Bata on Friday.

But an invite was sent to an email address the club no longer use which means that Luciano Spalleti's side are not aware of his invitation and they have refused to release Balde.

Meanwhile, the Senegalese Football Federation have admitted the error through a statement released by vice-President Abdoulaye Sow as the team begin preparation for Friday’s showdown.

"We have sent an email to Inter to inform them of the summoned player, but it was sent to the old email address that Internazionale Milano no longer uses. They changed their address. At the current moment, the player can not leave and can not be called to join us. His club is uncompromising," read the statement.

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Rennes duo Ismaila Sarr and Mbaye Niang are attacking options aside from Keita who was on target for the Teranga Lions when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Madagascar in Antananarivo on September 9.

With 10 points from four matches, Senegal are through to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nation in Cameroon alongside Madagascar but will hope to finish their qualification campaign on a high.