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| Senegal Africa Cup of Nations Record |
Senegal Africa Cup of Nations record explained. See AFCON titles, finals, best players, 2023 performance, and how Senegal became African champions.
Senegal has grown into one of Africa’s most respected footballing nations, and its journey at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reflects persistence, heartbreak, and eventual triumph. If you’re searching for a clear, accurate, and up-to-date breakdown of the Senegal Africa Cup of Nations record, this guide delivers the full picture—from early appearances to their historic first title and recent campaigns.
Senegal’s AFCON Story at a Glance
Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations record is a story of long-term consistency finally rewarded with continental glory. For decades, the Teranga Lions were known as strong contenders who fell just short. That narrative changed in 2021, and since then, Senegal has firmly cemented its place among Africa’s elite football nations.
When Did Senegal First Play in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Senegal made its AFCON debut in 1965, just five years after gaining independence. Unlike some African powerhouses that dominated early tournaments, Senegal took time to establish itself.
Early participation helped lay the foundation for:
- Strong football administration
- Youth development structures
- A growing international player pipeline
These early years were crucial in shaping the competitive mentality Senegal is known for today.
Senegal Africa Cup of Nations Record: Titles and Major Achievements
How Many AFCON Titles Has Senegal Won?
Senegal has won the Africa Cup of Nations once.
- AFCON Titles: 1
- Winning Year: 2021 (played in 2022 in Cameroon)
This victory ended decades of near-misses and firmly changed Senegal’s AFCON legacy.
AFCON Final Appearances
Senegal has reached the AFCON final three times:
- 2002 – Lost to Cameroon on penalties
- 2019 – Lost to Algeria
- 2021 – Defeated Egypt on penalties (Champions)
This progression highlights how close Senegal consistently was before finally breaking through.
Senegal’s Historic AFCON 2021 Triumph
Senegal’s 2021 AFCON victory remains the defining moment in the nation’s football history.
Key Highlights of the Tournament
- Coach: Aliou Cissé
- Captain: Kalidou Koulibaly
- Top Star: Sadio Mané
- Final Opponent: Egypt
- Final Score: 0–0 (Senegal won on penalties)
Sadio Mané’s decisive penalty sealed Senegal’s first-ever AFCON title, a moment widely covered by trusted outlets like BBC Sport and officially documented on the CAF platform.
This win was not just about silverware—it was a psychological breakthrough for Senegalese football.
Senegal Africa Cup of Nations Record by Tournament Performance
Below is a simplified overview of Senegal’s AFCON performance across eras:
Best Finishes
- Champions: 2021
- Runners-up: 2002, 2019
- Semi-finalists: Multiple editions including 1986, 1990, 1992
Consistency in Recent Decades
Since the early 2000s, Senegal has:
- Qualified for most AFCON tournaments
- Frequently advanced beyond the group stage
- Maintained FIFA top-20 rankings for extended periods
This consistency separates Senegal from many short-term success stories.
Senegal at AFCON 2023 (Played in 2024)
Senegal entered AFCON 2023 as defending champions and one of the tournament favorites.
What Happened?
- Senegal topped their group convincingly
- They were eliminated in the Round of 16
- Lost to Ivory Coast on penalties
Despite the early exit, analysts from platforms like CAF and ESPN Africa noted that Senegal remained tactically strong, with fine margins deciding their fate.
This result does not significantly weaken the Senegal Africa Cup of Nations record, but it does highlight how competitive modern AFCON tournaments have become.
Senegal’s Greatest AFCON Players of All Time
Several players have defined Senegal’s AFCON legacy:
Sadio Mané
- AFCON winner (2021)
- Nation’s all-time top scorer
- Iconic penalty in the final
El Hadji Diouf
- Star of AFCON 2002
- Twice African Footballer of the Year
- Led Senegal’s golden generation
Kalidou Koulibaly
- Defensive leader
- AFCON-winning captain
- One of Africa’s most respected defenders
These players transformed Senegal from contenders into champions.
Coaching Impact on Senegal’s AFCON Record
Aliou Cissé: The Architect of Success
Aliou Cissé deserves special recognition in any discussion of the Senegal Africa Cup of Nations record.
- AFCON runner-up as a player (2002)
- AFCON winner as a coach (2021)
- Longest-serving Senegal coach in modern history
His emphasis on discipline, tactical balance, and mental strength reshaped the national team.
How Senegal Compares to Other AFCON Giants
While Senegal has fewer titles than Egypt or Cameroon, their modern-era consistency is among the best in Africa.
Comparative Snapshot
- Egypt: 7 AFCON titles
- Cameroon: 5 AFCON titles
- Ghana: 4 AFCON titles
- Senegal: 1 AFCON title (but highest consistency since 2015)
This comparison shows why Senegal is often ranked as Africa’s strongest team over the last decade, even with fewer trophies.
Tactical Identity in AFCON Tournaments
Senegal’s AFCON teams are known for:
- Strong defensive organization
- Athletic midfield dominance
- Quick transitions and wing play
This tactical identity has made Senegal difficult to beat in knockout matches, a key reason their AFCON record has improved significantly in recent years.
Why Senegal’s AFCON Record Matters Today
The Senegal Africa Cup of Nations record matters because it reflects:
- Long-term football development
- Stability in coaching and administration
- Effective use of Europe-based talent
It also positions Senegal as a benchmark for other African nations building sustainable success.
Explore More African Football History
If you enjoy deep, fact-checked African football analysis, explore our related articles on AFCON history, legendary African players, and national team rankings. Staying informed means going beyond headlines.
Conclusion: A Record Built on Patience and Progress
Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations record is no longer defined by failure or near-misses. With a historic AFCON title, multiple final appearances, and consistent elite-level performances, the Teranga Lions have earned their place among Africa’s football royalty.
As future tournaments approach, Senegal remains a serious contender—and their AFCON story is far from finished.
