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| When Was the Last Time Senegal Won AFCON |
When was the last time Senegal won AFCON? Get the full answer, match details, history, and what Senegal’s latest Africa Cup of Nations win means.
If you’re asking when was the last time Senegal won AFCON, you’re not alone. It’s a high-intent, informational query that fans, students, journalists, and football lovers across Africa and beyond search every year—especially during AFCON seasons. The short answer is clear, but the full story behind it is far more powerful.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll get the exact date, the match details, the historical context, and why Senegal’s most recent AFCON victory marked a turning point not just for the Teranga Lions, but for African football as a whole.
Quick Answer: When Was the Last Time Senegal Won AFCON?
Senegal last won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2021, with the final played on 6 February 2022 in Cameroon due to COVID-19 scheduling changes.
They defeated Egypt in the final 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw in normal and extra time.
That victory gave Senegal their first-ever AFCON title.
Understanding the Search Intent Behind This Question
The search query “when was the last time Senegal won AFCON” is primarily informational, but it also carries:
- Historical intent – users want accurate football history
- Verification intent – confirming dates and facts
- Contextual intent – understanding what that win meant
This article is structured to satisfy all three, without fluff or guesswork.
Senegal’s Long Road to AFCON Glory
Before answering why Senegal’s last AFCON win matters, it’s important to understand how long it took to achieve it.
Senegal’s AFCON Journey at a Glance
- First AFCON appearance: 1965
- Final appearances before winning: 2002, 2019
- First AFCON title: 2021 (played in 2022)
For decades, Senegal were labeled “nearly men”—always talented, always competitive, but unable to finish the job.
That narrative ended in 2021.
The 2021 AFCON Tournament: Setting the Stage
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations was hosted by Cameroon and ran from 9 January to 6 February 2022.
Senegal entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but with heavy psychological pressure:
- They had never won AFCON
- They lost the 2019 final painfully to Algeria
- Key players were in their prime, meaning expectations were sky-high
Despite this, Senegal navigated the tournament with discipline, control, and defensive solidity.
Senegal’s Road to the Final
Group Stage Performance
Senegal topped Group B, which included:
- Zimbabwe
- Guinea
- Malawi
They were not flashy, but they were effective—prioritizing structure over spectacle.
Knockout Stage Wins
- Round of 16: Senegal vs Cape Verde (2–0 win)
- Quarterfinal: Senegal vs Equatorial Guinea (3–1 win)
- Semifinal: Senegal vs Burkina Faso (3–1 win)
By the final, Senegal had conceded very few goals and looked mentally prepared.
The Final: Senegal vs Egypt (6 February 2022)
The final answered the question when was the last time Senegal won AFCON in dramatic fashion.
Match Summary
- Fixture: Senegal vs Egypt
- Venue: Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé
- Score: 0–0 (after extra time)
- Penalties: Senegal won 4–2
Egypt missed two penalties, while Senegal converted theirs calmly.
The Defining Moment
Sadio Mané, who had missed an early penalty in the match, stepped up to score the winning penalty—a moment that instantly became iconic in African football history.
You can find the official match record on CAF’s platform:
https://www.cafonline.com/totalenergies-afcon/
Why Senegal’s Last AFCON Win Was Historically Important
1. First AFCON Title Ever
Despite producing elite players for decades, Senegal had never won AFCON before 2021. This victory erased years of disappointment.
2. Redemption Against Egypt
Egypt had beaten Senegal on penalties in the 2017 AFCON final. Winning against them in 2022 was poetic justice.
3. Aliou Cissé’s Legacy
Aliou Cissé lost the AFCON final as a player in 2002. Winning it as head coach in 2021 completed one of African football’s greatest redemption arcs.
Senegal’s AFCON Wins Timeline (So Far)
Here’s a clean breakdown for clarity:
- 2021 AFCON (played 2022): Champions
- Previous wins: None
So, to be precise and accurate:
The last time Senegal won AFCON was in 2021, and it remains their most recent and only AFCON title to date.
How Senegal’s AFCON Win Changed Their Status in Africa
Before 2021, Senegal were respected.
After 2021, Senegal were champions.
That shift had real consequences:
- Increased global respect
- Stronger FIFA rankings
- More confidence in major tournaments
- Greater youth football investment
According to historical AFCON records published by Britannica:
https://www.britannica.com/sports/Africa-Cup-of-Nations-winners
Winning AFCON places a nation in an entirely different category.
What Happened After Senegal’s Last AFCON Win?
World Cup Momentum
Senegal followed their AFCON victory by qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing the idea that the AFCON win was not a fluke.
Back-to-Back Final Mentality
Post-2021, Senegal entered every AFCON tournament as a team to beat, not an underdog.
This is what elite status looks like.
Key Players Behind Senegal’s Last AFCON Victory
Several players defined Senegal’s most recent AFCON triumph:
- Sadio Mané – Captain, leader, match-winner
- Édouard Mendy – Tournament’s best goalkeeper
- Kalidou Koulibaly – Defensive anchor
- Idrissa Gana Gueye – Midfield engine
Their blend of European experience and African identity was decisive.
How Senegal’s AFCON Win Compares With Other African Giants
| Country | AFCON Titles |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 7 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Ghana | 4 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Senegal | 1 (2021) |
While Senegal doesn’t yet match the most decorated teams numerically, their recent dominance puts them firmly among Africa’s elite.
Common Questions People Ask (FAQ)
When was the last time Senegal won AFCON?
Senegal last won AFCON in 2021, with the final played on 6 February 2022.
How many AFCON titles does Senegal have?
Senegal currently has one AFCON title.
Who did Senegal beat in their last AFCON final?
Senegal defeated Egypt on penalties in the final.
Was the 2021 AFCON played in 2021 or 2022?
It was named AFCON 2021 but played in January–February 2022 due to COVID-19 delays.
Why This Question Still Trends on Google
The query when was the last time Senegal won AFCON keeps trending because:
- AFCON tournaments happen every two years
- Senegal remain title contenders
- Students, bloggers, and fans need verified answers
- Many sources still confuse the 2021/2022 dates
This article clears that confusion completely.
If you follow African football closely, bookmark this page or share it with friends who always ask about Senegal’s AFCON history.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Date
So, when was the last time Senegal won AFCON?
2021—but the impact of that victory goes far beyond a single year.
It represented:
- The end of decades of near-misses
- A new standard for Senegalese football
- Proof that patience, structure, and belief pay off
Whether Senegal add more AFCON titles in the future or not, their 2021 triumph will always stand as one of African football’s most meaningful victories.
Final Call to Action
Want deeper AFCON history, player breakdowns, or country-by-country records? Explore more African football insights and stay ahead of the conversation.
