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| How Many Times Has Senegal Won AFCON |
How many times has Senegal won AFCON? Discover Senegal’s AFCON history, their first title in 2021, key players, finals, and future prospects.
Senegal has long been one of Africa’s most respected football nations, producing world-class players and consistently strong teams. Yet for decades, one question dominated discussions among fans and analysts alike: how many times has Senegal won AFCON? The answer reflects a journey of persistence, heartbreak, and eventual triumph that reshaped Senegalese football history.
This comprehensive guide explains Senegal’s AFCON wins, the story behind their long wait, key tournaments, legendary players, and what the future holds—fully aligned with today’s search intent and verified football records.
How Many Times Has Senegal Won AFCON?
Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) once.
Their historic AFCON title came in 2021 (played in 2022) in Cameroon, when the Teranga Lions lifted their first-ever AFCON trophy.
This victory ended years of near misses and firmly established Senegal as a true continental champion.
Why Senegal’s AFCON Win Is Historically Significant
Although Senegal has only one AFCON title, the importance of that win cannot be overstated. Before 2021, Senegal was widely regarded as the best African team never to win AFCON, despite:
- Multiple final appearances
- A golden generation of elite players
- Consistent FIFA rankings among Africa’s top teams
According to competition records from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and global football authorities like FIFA, Senegal’s 2021 triumph marked one of the most anticipated title wins in AFCON history.
Senegal’s Early AFCON Years: Promise Without a Trophy
First AFCON Appearance
Senegal made its AFCON debut in 1965 but failed to progress far in early tournaments. For years, the team struggled to compete with traditional powerhouses like Egypt, Ghana, and Cameroon.
Growing Reputation in the 1990s
By the late 1990s, Senegal began to show signs of real continental strength:
- Improved domestic talent development
- More Senegalese players moving to European leagues
- Stronger tactical organization
Yet silverware remained elusive.
AFCON 2002: Senegal’s First Final and First Heartbreak
Senegal reached their first AFCON final in 2002, hosted in Mali.
What Happened in 2002?
- Senegal faced Cameroon in the final
- The match ended 0–0 after extra time
- Cameroon won on penalties
Despite the loss, Senegal announced themselves as a major force in African football. This same generation later impressed the world at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals.
Years of Near Misses and Growing Frustration
From 2004 to 2019, Senegal regularly qualified for AFCON and often entered tournaments as favorites. However, they consistently fell short due to:
- Narrow defeats in knockout matches
- Penalty shootout losses
- Tactical inconsistencies in crucial games
This period reinforced the belief that Senegal had talent but lacked tournament luck.
AFCON 2019: Another Final, Another Disappointment
Senegal reached the AFCON 2019 final in Egypt, facing Algeria.
Key details:
- Algeria won 1–0
- Early goal proved decisive
- Senegal missed chances to equalize
The defeat deepened the narrative of Senegal as perennial runners-up.
AFCON 2021 (Played in 2022): Senegal’s Historic Breakthrough
Senegal Finally Wins AFCON
Senegal’s long wait ended at AFCON 2021, hosted by Cameroon and played in early 2022 due to scheduling adjustments.
This tournament definitively answered the question: how many times has Senegal won AFCON?—once, at last.
Final Match Details
- Final: Senegal vs Egypt
- Score: 0–0 after extra time
- Result: Senegal won on penalties
- Winning penalty scored by Sadio Mané
This victory was widely covered by reputable international sports media such as BBC Sport and officially documented by CAF.
Senegal’s AFCON Titles Summary
| Year | Host Country | Final Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Cameroon | Egypt | Won on penalties |
As of the most recently completed AFCON tournament, this remains Senegal’s only AFCON title.
Key Figures Behind Senegal’s AFCON Success
Sadio Mané
- Tournament captain and talisman
- Scored the winning penalty in the final
- Widely regarded as Senegal’s greatest-ever player
Édouard Mendy
- Outstanding goalkeeper throughout the tournament
- Key penalty saves in knockout matches
Aliou Cissé (Head Coach)
- Former national team captain
- Led Senegal to two AFCON finals and one title
- Praised for discipline, leadership, and tactical balance
How Senegal Compares to Other AFCON Winners
In terms of total titles:
- Egypt: 7 titles
- Cameroon: 5 titles
- Ghana: 4 titles
- Nigeria: 3 titles
- Senegal: 1 title
While Senegal trails traditional giants in total trophies, their recent dominance and consistency place them among Africa’s elite teams today.
Is Senegal the Strongest African Team Right Now?
Since their AFCON win, Senegal has:
- Maintained high FIFA rankings
- Qualified consistently for major tournaments
- Won the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2023
- Defended AFCON title credentials strongly
Many analysts consider Senegal one of the most complete African teams of the modern era.
Why Senegal Took So Long to Win AFCON
Several factors contributed:
- Tough competition from historically dominant teams
- Pressure of expectations
- Fine margins in knockout football
However, long-term investment in youth development and coaching stability finally paid off.
Has Senegal Won AFCON More Than Once?
No. As of the latest confirmed records:
- Senegal has won AFCON only once
- That win occurred in AFCON 2021 (played in 2022)
Any future AFCON victory would immediately raise their total to two.
What the Future Holds for Senegal at AFCON
With a strong squad, experienced leadership, and growing depth, Senegal remains a top contender for future AFCON tournaments. Many observers believe additional titles are likely if current structures remain intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Senegal won AFCON?
Senegal has won AFCON once.
When did Senegal win AFCON?
Senegal won AFCON in 2021, played in 2022.
Who did Senegal beat in the AFCON final?
Senegal defeated Egypt on penalties.
Who scored Senegal’s winning penalty?
Sadio Mané scored the decisive penalty.
Senegal’s AFCON Story Is One of Perseverance
So, how many times has Senegal won AFCON? The clear, verified answer is one time—but that single triumph carries decades of effort, heartbreak, and resilience. Senegal’s journey proves that persistence, structure, and belief can eventually rewrite history.
If you enjoy accurate AFCON histories, player legacies, and African football insights, explore more tournament breakdowns and stay updated as Senegal chases future AFCON glory.
