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| How Many Times Has Senegal Won the Africa Cup of Nations (photo credit: Getty images) |
How many times has Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations? Discover Senegal’s AFCON titles, finals history, and the story behind their 2021 victory.
Senegal has long been one of Africa’s most respected footballing nations, producing world-class talent and consistently competing at the highest level. Yet for decades, one question followed the Teranga Lions everywhere they went: could they finally lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy? The answer came after years of near misses, heartbreak, and rebuilding.
This in-depth guide explains how many times Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations, when it happened, why it took so long, and what their victory means for African football today.
Clear Answer First: Senegal’s AFCON Titles
Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations once.
- AFCON titles: 1
- Winning year: 2021 (played in 2022)
- Runner-up finishes: 2 (2002, 2019)
This single victory may seem modest compared to giants like Egypt or Cameroon, but its significance is massive given Senegal’s history and consistency.
Understanding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the continent’s most prestigious international football tournament, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It has been held since 1957 and features Africa’s top national teams.
AFCON is more than a tournament—it defines legacies, shapes careers, and often determines how footballing nations are remembered. Winning it even once places a country in African football history.
For official competition records and tournament history, CAF maintains authoritative archives on its official website.
Senegal’s Long Road to AFCON Glory
Early Years and Growing Reputation
Senegal’s football rise became noticeable in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The country invested heavily in youth development, local academies, and European exposure for its players.
By the early 2000s, Senegal was no longer an underdog—it was a contender.
AFCON 2002: First Final, First Heartbreak
Senegal reached its first AFCON final in 2002, co-hosted by Mali.
What Happened?
- Senegal faced Cameroon in the final.
- The match ended 0–0 after extra time.
- Cameroon won 3–2 on penalties.
This loss was painful, especially as Senegal had one of the most exciting squads in the tournament. It marked the beginning of the narrative that Senegal “always comes close, but never finishes.”
AFCON 2019: Another Final, Same Outcome
Seventeen years later, Senegal returned to the AFCON final.
AFCON 2019 Final:
- Opponent: Algeria
- Result: Algeria won 1–0
- Venue: Cairo International Stadium
Despite a strong squad featuring global stars, Senegal fell short again. By this point, the pressure on the team—and especially on Sadio Mané—was intense.
AFCON 2021 (Played in 2022): Senegal Makes History
This was the turning point.
Tournament Overview
- Host nation: Cameroon
- Final: Senegal vs Egypt
- Score: 0–0 after extra time
- Result: Senegal won 4–2 on penalties
Senegal finally lifted the AFCON trophy for the first time in its history.
This win officially answered the long-standing question of how many times has Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations—once, but decisively.
Why the 2021 AFCON Win Was Special
1. Beating Egypt on Penalties
Egypt is Africa’s most successful AFCON nation. Defeating them in a final added historic weight to Senegal’s victory.
2. Sadio Mané’s Redemption
After missing a crucial penalty earlier in the final, Mané stepped up to score the winning penalty. It became one of the most iconic moments in African football.
3. Defensive Dominance
Senegal conceded only two goals throughout the entire tournament, showcasing tactical discipline and balance.
Reputable sports media such as BBC Sport and FIFA later described Senegal’s triumph as one of the most deserved AFCON wins in recent history.
Senegal’s AFCON Record at a Glance
AFCON Appearances: 17+
AFCON Titles: 1
Finals Reached: 3
Best Finish: Winners (2021)
Worst Finish: Group stage exits (early editions)
While the trophy count is low, Senegal’s consistency places them among Africa’s elite.
Why Senegal Took So Long to Win AFCON
Several factors delayed Senegal’s breakthrough:
Strong Competition
AFCON is notoriously unpredictable, with powerhouses like:
- Egypt
- Cameroon
- Nigeria
- Ghana
Winning often requires both quality and timing.
Penalty Shootout Losses
Two finals went to penalties, and Senegal lost one of them. Fine margins defined their history.
Transition Phases
Each generation needed time to mature. Senegal often rebuilt instead of maintaining continuity.
Senegal’s Golden Generation
Senegal’s AFCON success was built on years of elite talent development.
Key Players Behind the Title:
- Sadio Mané – Leader and match-winner
- Kalidou Koulibaly – Defensive anchor
- Édouard Mendy – Tournament-winning goalkeeper
- Idrissa Gana Gueye – Midfield control
These players competed regularly at the highest levels of European football, giving Senegal an edge in experience.
How Senegal Compares to Other AFCON Winners
| Country | AFCON Titles |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 7 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Ghana | 4 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Algeria | 2 |
| Senegal | 1 |
Senegal may not top the list, but their current squad strength suggests future titles are realistic.
Has Senegal Won AFCON Since 2021?
As of the most recent completed tournaments, Senegal has not won another AFCON title since their 2021 triumph.
However, they remain one of the favorites in every edition due to:
- Squad depth
- Tactical stability
- Strong youth pipeline
What Senegal’s AFCON Win Means for African Football
Senegal’s victory reinforced several truths:
- Patience pays off in international football.
- Youth investment matters.
- African teams can dominate globally with proper structure.
It also inspired smaller football nations that consistency matters as much as raw talent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many times has Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations?
Senegal has won AFCON once, in the 2021 tournament played in 2022.
Did Senegal ever win AFCON before 2021?
No. Before 2021, Senegal reached two finals but lost both.
Who did Senegal beat in the AFCON final?
Senegal defeated Egypt on penalties.
Is Senegal likely to win AFCON again?
Yes. Based on current squad quality and development systems, Senegal remains a strong contender.
If you enjoy deep football history breakdowns like this, explore our related African football guides to understand how legacy teams are built and sustained over decades.
Conclusion: Senegal’s AFCON Story in Perspective
So, how many times has Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations? Just once—but that single victory carries decades of effort, resilience, and growth. Senegal’s journey proves that success in African football is earned through patience, structure, and belief.
Their 2021 AFCON win was not luck—it was inevitable.
As future tournaments unfold, Senegal is no longer chasing history. They are now defending it.
Final
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