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| How Many Times Did Senegal Win AFCON |
How many times did Senegal win AFCON? Get the complete Senegal AFCON win history, titles count, finals record, and key moments explained.
If you’re searching for how many times did Senegal win AFCON, you’re asking a smart and very common football question. Senegal are one of Africa’s strongest football nations today, yet their trophy cabinet tells a deeper story of patience, heartbreak, and eventual triumph.
This guide gives you a clear, factual, and up-to-date answer, backed by football history, official tournament records, and context that most short answers miss.
How Many Times Did Senegal Win AFCON?
Senegal have won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exactly once.
- AFCON wins count: 1
- Winning tournament: AFCON 2021
- Year played: 2022
- Final opponent: Egypt
- Result: 0–0 (Senegal won 4–2 on penalties)
So yes—Senegal have won AFCON before, but only once so far.
Has Senegal Won AFCON Before?
Yes. Senegal won their first-ever AFCON title in 2021, ending decades of near-misses.
Before that victory, Senegal were often described as one of the best African teams never to win AFCON—a label that followed them for years.
That single win changed everything.
Senegal AFCON Win History: A Complete Overview
To fully understand Senegal’s AFCON wins count, you need to look beyond trophies and into their tournament history.
Senegal at AFCON – Key Milestones
- First AFCON appearance: 1965
- Total AFCON finals reached: 3
- Total AFCON titles won: 1
Despite regular strong squads, Senegal struggled in finals until 2021.
Senegal AFCON Wins Count Explained
Here’s a simple breakdown of Senegal’s AFCON finals record:
| AFCON Year | Result | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Runner-up | Cameroon |
| 2019 | Runner-up | Algeria |
| 2021 | Champions | Egypt |
This table explains why the question “has Senegal won AFCON before?” became so popular after 2021.
Senegal AFCON Win Year: Why 2021 Is Official
Although the tournament was played in January–February 2022, it is officially recorded as AFCON 2021.
Why the Confusion?
- COVID-19 forced CAF to delay the tournament
- Official records kept the original 2021 designation
Organizations like the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA recognize Senegal’s title as AFCON 2021, not 2022.
How Senegal Won AFCON 2021: The Final Match Story
Senegal vs Egypt – AFCON Final
- Full time: 0–0
- Extra time: 0–0
- Penalties: Senegal 4 – 2 Egypt
Key moments:
- Sadio Mané missed an early penalty
- Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy kept Senegal alive
- Mané scored the winning penalty
That moment ended over 60 years of waiting.
Key Figures Behind Senegal’s AFCON Victory
Sadio Mané
- Scored the winning penalty
- Tournament leader on and off the pitch
- Later crowned African Footballer of the Year
Edouard Mendy
- Tournament’s Best Goalkeeper
- Crucial saves in knockout rounds
Kalidou Koulibaly
- Team captain
- Defensive backbone throughout the tournament
Their leadership defined Senegal’s AFCON win history.
Why Senegal Took So Long to Win AFCON
Despite producing elite players, Senegal faced recurring challenges:
- Losing finals on penalties
- Facing historically dominant teams
- Mental pressure in decisive matches
Their 2021 victory proved that tactical discipline and experience matter as much as talent.
Senegal AFCON Wins Count Compared to Other African Teams
To put Senegal’s record in context:
| Country | AFCON Titles |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 7 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Ghana | 4 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Algeria | 2 |
| Senegal | 1 |
While Senegal’s AFCON wins count is low, their current era dominance suggests more titles are realistic.
What Changed After Senegal Won AFCON?
After lifting the trophy, Senegal:
- Became Africa’s top-ranked FIFA team
- Qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Won the African Nations Championship (CHAN)
- Established consistency across all competitions
This shows their AFCON success was not a one-off fluke.
Common Questions About Senegal and AFCON
How many times did Senegal win AFCON?
Senegal have won AFCON once.
Has Senegal won AFCON before 2021?
No. 2021 was their first-ever AFCON title.
What is Senegal’s AFCON wins count?
Their AFCON wins count is 1.
How many AFCON finals has Senegal played?
They have played three finals, winning one.
Why This One AFCON Title Matters So Much
Some countries win often. Others wait.
For Senegal, that single AFCON trophy:
- Ended decades of disappointment
- Validated a golden generation
- Cemented their place among Africa’s elite
In football history, context matters more than numbers.
Trusted Sources Confirming Senegal AFCON History
Authoritative football records from:
- CAF (Confederation of African Football)
- FIFA tournament archives
- BBC Sport AFCON coverage
All confirm the same fact: Senegal have won AFCON once.
Final Verdict: How Many Times Did Senegal Win AFCON?
Let’s settle it clearly:
- Has Senegal won AFCON before? Yes
- Senegal AFCON wins count: 1
- Winning year: AFCON 2021
- Finals played: 3
Senegal’s AFCON story is not about quantity—it’s about earned legacy.
