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| How Many AFCON Has Senegal Won |
How many AFCON has Senegal won? Get the full, updated record of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, finals, history, and future prospects.
If you’re searching for how many AFCON has Senegal won, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common football questions around African football, especially after Senegal’s historic breakthrough in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. This guide gives you a clear, accurate, and up-to-date answer—plus the full context behind Senegal’s AFCON journey, major tournaments, near-misses, and what the future looks like.
Quick Answer: How Many AFCON Has Senegal Won?
Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) once.
- AFCON titles: 1
- Year won: 2021 (played in 2022)
- Host nation: Cameroon
- Final: Senegal vs Egypt
- Result: 0–0 (Senegal won 4–2 on penalties)
That single title marked a defining moment in Senegalese football history.
Why This Question Matters in African Football
The question “how many AFCON has Senegal won” goes beyond statistics. Senegal has long been one of Africa’s most talented teams, producing world-class players and consistently ranking high on the continent. Yet for decades, the AFCON trophy remained elusive.
Their eventual triumph changed how Senegal is viewed in African and global football.
Senegal’s AFCON Journey at a Glance
Senegal has participated in AFCON multiple times since its debut in the 1960s. Despite regular appearances and strong squads, success came slowly.
Senegal AFCON Summary
- First AFCON appearance: 1965
- Total AFCON titles: 1
- Final appearances: 3
- Best finish before 2021: Runners-up
This context makes their lone title even more significant.
Senegal’s Historic AFCON 2021 Victory (Played in 2022)
Road to Glory
Senegal entered AFCON 2021 as one of the favorites, led by a golden generation of players competing at the highest levels in Europe.
Key moments included:
- A solid group-stage performance built on defensive discipline
- Narrow but controlled knockout victories
- A tense final against Egypt, Africa’s most decorated AFCON nation
The Final: Senegal vs Egypt
- Full time: 0–0
- Extra time: 0–0
- Penalties: Senegal won 4–2
Sadio Mané, after missing a penalty earlier in the match, scored the winning kick—an iconic moment for Senegalese football.
This victory finally answered the question how many AFCON has Senegal won with a long-awaited “one.”
Senegal’s Previous AFCON Final Appearances
Before lifting the trophy, Senegal had come painfully close on two occasions.
AFCON 2002 (Mali)
- Final: Senegal vs Cameroon
- Result: 0–0 (Cameroon won on penalties)
- Outcome: Runners-up
This was Senegal’s first-ever AFCON final and the beginning of their reputation as perennial contenders.
AFCON 2019 (Egypt)
- Final: Senegal vs Algeria
- Result: 1–0 loss
- Outcome: Runners-up
Despite a strong tournament, Senegal fell short again, increasing pressure on the squad heading into AFCON 2021.
Why Senegal Took So Long to Win AFCON
Given their talent pool, many fans wonder why the answer to how many AFCON has Senegal won isn’t higher.
Several factors played a role:
- Strong competition: Nigeria, Egypt, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast dominated for decades
- Narrow defeats: Senegal often exited tournaments by fine margins
- Tournament pressure: Expectations frequently weighed heavily on the team
Their 2021 win was as much about mentality as talent.
Senegal’s Golden Generation
Senegal’s AFCON success was driven by a core group of elite players.
Key Figures Behind the AFCON Title
- Sadio Mané – Tournament leader and decisive figure
- Kalidou Koulibaly – Defensive rock and captain
- Édouard Mendy – Crucial saves throughout the tournament
- Idrissa Gana Gueye – Midfield engine
This blend of experience and discipline finally delivered silverware.
How Senegal Compares to Other AFCON Winners
To fully understand how many AFCON has Senegal won, it helps to compare them with Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
AFCON Titles Comparison (Selected Nations)
- Egypt: 7 titles
- Cameroon: 5 titles
- Ghana: 4 titles
- Nigeria: 3 titles
- Senegal: 1 title
While Senegal has fewer titles, their recent dominance suggests more success could follow.
Senegal After AFCON 2021: A New Era
Senegal’s AFCON win wasn’t a one-off fluke. It marked the start of a sustained period of excellence.
Post-AFCON Achievements
- FIFA World Cup 2022: Reached Round of 16
- CAF Rankings: Regularly top-ranked in Africa
- AFCON 2023 (played 2024): Entered as defending champions
Their consistency shows the AFCON title wasn’t accidental.
Can Senegal Win AFCON Again?
Absolutely.
With strong youth development, European-based stars, and improved football administration, Senegal remains one of the top contenders in every AFCON tournament.
If you’re tracking how many AFCON has Senegal won, the number may not stay at one for long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AFCON has Senegal won?
Senegal has won one Africa Cup of Nations title.
When did Senegal win AFCON?
Senegal won AFCON in 2021, with the tournament played in 2022 in Cameroon.
Has Senegal ever won AFCON before 2021?
No. Before 2021, Senegal finished runners-up twice but never won.
Who did Senegal beat to win AFCON?
Senegal defeated Egypt in the final on penalties.
Stay Updated on AFCON Records
African football evolves fast. Bookmark this page or explore more AFCON history articles on our site to stay updated on records, stats, and future tournaments.
Conclusion: Senegal’s AFCON Legacy So Far
So, how many AFCON has Senegal won?
The answer is one—but that single title carries decades of effort, heartbreak, and eventual triumph.
Senegal’s AFCON 2021 victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. And judging by their current strength, it may be the first chapter of a longer winning story.
