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| How Many Times Has Senegal Won the African Cup of Nations |
Discover how many times Senegal has won the African Cup of Nations, plus a complete history of their AFCON performances, memorable moments, and what it means for African football.
Senegal is one of Africa’s most passionate football nations, known for producing top-tier talent and thrilling performances on the continental stage. Yet, for years, many fans wondered: how many times has Senegal won the African Cup of Nations? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer that question accurately, provide context around each victory, and explore how Senegal’s AFCON success fits into broader African football history.
This article is designed specifically for readers seeking informative, accurate, and up-to-date facts about Senegal’s AFCON achievements, including major finals, key players, and evolving team legacy.
Quick Answer: How Many Times Has Senegal Won the African Cup of Nations?
Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) twice. Their titles came in:
- 2021 (final played in 2022)
- 2025 (final played in January 2026)
These two wins mark a milestone in Senegalese football history, elevating the Teranga Lions into the ranks of Africa’s decorated national teams.
Understanding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international tournament for national football teams in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Since its inception in 1957, the biennial competition has crowned Africa’s champions and showcased some of the continent’s greatest football stars and most dramatic matches.
Teams like Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria have historically dominated the winners’ list, but recent years have seen emerging powers like Senegal challenge that dominance.
Senegal’s Journey to Continental Glory
Senegal’s journey in the AFCON spans decades, evolving from early participations to serious title contenders, and eventually champions.
Early Appearances and Near Misses
Although Senegal competed in AFCON for many years, they often struggled to go deep in the tournament. They reached the final but fell short in:
- 2002: Lost to Cameroon on penalties in the final.
- 2019: Lost the final to Algeria.
These near misses built a narrative of a talented team that couldn’t quite finish—until 2021.
AFCON 2021: First Ever Title
Senegal’s first African Cup of Nations title came at AFCON 2021, held in Cameroon despite being labeled as “2021” due to COVID-19 scheduling delays.
The Final
- Match: Senegal vs Egypt (2021 AFCON Final)
- Result: 0-0 after extra time
- Penalties: Senegal won 4-2
- Date: 6 February 2022
Sadio Mané scored the decisive penalty in the shootout, giving Senegal their first–ever continental title after decades of competing and coming close.
This victory was a watershed moment for Senegalese football, celebrated nationwide and recognized globally as a triumph of perseverance and teamwork.
AFCON 2025/26: Second Continental Title
Senegal claimed their second Africa Cup of Nations title at the 2025 AFCON, with the final taking place on 18 January 2026 in Rabat, Morocco.
Memorable Final Highlights
- Match: Senegal vs Morocco
- Result: Senegal won 1-0 (extra time)
- Winning Goal: Pape Gueye
- Significance: Senegal’s second AFCON title in five years.
This victory confirmed Senegal’s rise from first-time winners to a modern power in African football, dispelling the “nearly men” narrative that had followed them for decades.Mu
Senegal’s AFCON Winning Years — A Quick Timeline
Here’s a concise look at Senegal’s AFCON titles:
| Year | Competition | Opponent | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Africa Cup of Nations | Egypt | Won 4-2 (penalties) | First title ever (final played 2022) |
| 2025/26 | Africa Cup of Nations | Morocco | Won 1-0 (extra time) | Second title |
This timeline shows how Senegal’s African Cup of Nations winning years came in quick succession once the team broke through in 2021.
How Senegal’s AFCON Success Compares to Continental Rivals
In the all-time AFCON winners list, Senegal’s two titles are notable but still behind some of the continent’s most successful teams:
- Egypt: 7 titles
- Cameroon: 5 titles
- Ghana: 4 titles
- Nigeria: 3 titles
- Senegal: 2 titles
Senegal’s rise demonstrates how football power dynamics in Africa continue to evolve, with newer champions emerging alongside traditional giants.
The Story Behind Senegal’s Rise
Senegal’s transformation from a promising team to multiple AFCON champions is rooted in several factors:
Strong Leadership
Under coaches like Aliou Cissé, Senegal developed tactical discipline, defensive organization, and resilience in high-pressure moments.
World-Class Talent
Players such as Sadio Mané, Édouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and emerging stars helped elevate Senegal’s performance, especially in knockout stages.
Team Unity and Culture
Senegal’s cohesive team spirit and ability to handle pressure situations—such as penalty shootouts and extra time—played a key role in their victories.
What Senegal’s AFCON Titles Mean
Senegal’s African Cup of Nations titles have had wide-ranging impacts:
- National pride and unity: Massive celebrations followed both titles, with fans across Senegal and the diaspora rejoicing.
- Increased global respect: These victories have bolstered Senegal’s reputation in world football.
- Youth inspiration: Senegal’s success encourages young players to pursue football at the highest level.
Winning continental tournaments like AFCON propels national teams onto bigger stages, including World Cup qualifiers and global competitions.
Breaking Down the Finals
2021 AFCON Final vs Egypt
The 2021 final was a classic showcase of tactical caution and nerve:
- Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, was a formidable opponent.
- The match ended 0-0 after extra time.
- Senegal’s composure in the penalty shootout secured their first title.
This final symbolized resilience and mental strength—Senegal did not score in open play but showed remarkable character to win via penalties.
2025/26 AFCON Final vs Morocco
The second title came in a highly dramatic match:
- Senegal faced hosts Morocco.
- Extra time produced the winning goal by Pape Gueye.
- The victory confirmed Senegal’s status as a continental heavyweight.
This win was especially significant because it came away from home against a passionate host nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Senegal won the AFCON?
Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations twice—in 2021 and 2025 (final played 2026).
When did Senegal first win AFCON?
Senegal won their first AFCON title in 2021, with the final played on 6 February 2022.
Who did Senegal beat in their AFCON finals?
- 2021: Senegal defeated Egypt on penalties.
- 2025/26: Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in extra time.
Are Senegal multiple AFCON champions?
Yes—Senegal is now a two-time AFCON champion.
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Final Thoughts
Senegal’s story in the Africa Cup of Nations is one of resilience, growth, and eventual triumph. From near misses to concrete victories in 2021 and 2025/26, Senegal’s achievements reflect the rise of the Teranga Lions as a modern African football powerhouse.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a student of football history, or simply curious about Senegal’s success, understanding how many times Senegal has won the African Cup of Nations gives you a clear window into one of Africa’s most compelling sporting journeys.
Disclaimer
All information is accurate as of early 2026 and reflects the latest AFCON results available. Records are subject to updates as future tournaments are played.
