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| Which Year Did Senegal Won AFCON |
Which year did Senegal won AFCON? Discover Senegal’s AFCON 2021 victory, how many African Cup of Nations they have, and full historical context.
Many football fans search which year did Senegal won AFCON to understand when the West African giants finally lifted Africa’s biggest football trophy. Senegal’s journey to continental glory is a story of patience, heartbreak, resilience, and ultimate redemption—one that reshaped African football history.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly which year Senegal won AFCON, how it happened, who starred, and how many African Cup of Nations does Senegal have, using verified facts and authoritative sources.
Senegal and the African Cup of Nations: Setting the Context
Senegal has long been one of Africa’s most talented football nations. From producing world-class players to consistently qualifying for major tournaments, the country was always considered a strong contender.
Yet for decades, Senegal struggled to convert potential into silverware at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite deep tournament runs, the ultimate prize remained elusive—until a historic breakthrough.
Which Year Did Senegal Won AFCON?
Senegal won the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 2021, although the tournament was played and concluded in February 2022.
This timing often causes confusion. Officially, the competition is called AFCON 2021, but it was postponed due to COVID-19 and hosted in Cameroon from January to February 2022.
So, to be precise:
- Tournament name: AFCON 2021
- Year played: 2022
- Year Senegal won AFCON: 2021 (official tournament year)
This historic victory marked Senegal’s first-ever AFCON title.
Why AFCON 2021 Was Played in 2022
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) postponed AFCON 2021 due to global pandemic disruptions and scheduling conflicts.
CAF officially confirmed the tournament retained its 2021 designation despite being played in 2022, as stated on the Confederation of African Football official platform.
This is why records, trophies, and FIFA documentation list Senegal as AFCON 2021 champions.
Senegal’s Road to AFCON Glory
Senegal’s AFCON 2021 campaign was built on discipline, tactical maturity, and defensive solidity rather than flashy attacking football.
Group Stage Performance
Senegal topped their group with:
- Strong defensive organization
- No goals conceded in the group stage
- Consistent control of matches
Though they scored few goals, they remained extremely difficult to break down.
Knockout Stage Journey
As the tournament progressed, Senegal grew stronger.
Key highlights included:
- Narrow victories in the round of 16 and quarterfinals
- Tactical patience and game management
- Confidence growing with every match
By the time they reached the final, Senegal looked mentally prepared for history.
The AFCON Final: Senegal vs Egypt
The final was played on 6 February 2022 at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Match Overview
- Final score: Senegal 0–0 Egypt (after extra time)
- Result: Senegal won 4–2 on penalties
The match was tense, tactical, and emotionally charged.
Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, brought experience and resilience. Senegal brought hunger and composure.
The Defining Moment
Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy made crucial saves during the penalty shootout, while Sadio Mané converted the winning penalty—redeeming himself after missing an early spot kick during regulation time.
This moment sealed Senegal’s first AFCON title.
The final was widely covered by reputable international sports media, including BBC Sport’s official football coverage, confirming Senegal’s historic triumph.
How Many African Cup of Nations Does Senegal Have?
One of the most searched questions related to Senegal’s football history is:
How many African Cup of Nations does Senegal have?
Answer:
Senegal has one (1) African Cup of Nations title.
That single title came from AFCON 2021, making it the most important achievement in Senegalese football history.
Senegal’s AFCON Final Appearances
Before winning AFCON, Senegal reached the final multiple times but fell short.
AFCON Final History
- 2002: Lost to Cameroon on penalties
- 2019: Lost to Algeria 1–0
- 2021: Defeated Egypt on penalties
The 2021 victory finally ended years of near-misses and heartbreak.
Why Senegal’s AFCON Win Was Historically Significant
Senegal’s AFCON victory went beyond lifting a trophy.
Key Reasons It Mattered
- Ended decades of continental disappointment
- Cemented Senegal’s status as Africa’s top football nation
- Completed a golden era for Senegalese football
- Inspired a new generation of African players
Senegal became African champions just one year after winning the Africa Cup of Nations qualification group unbeaten and shortly before becoming African champions again at youth levels.
Key Players Behind Senegal’s AFCON Victory
Sadio Mané
Mané was the emotional and symbolic leader of the team.
- Scored the winning penalty in the final
- Captained the team with maturity
- Played through intense pressure
His performance earned him the AFCON Player of the Tournament award.
Édouard Mendy
The Chelsea goalkeeper was instrumental:
- Conceded very few goals throughout the tournament
- Delivered decisive saves in penalty shootouts
- Provided calm leadership from the back
Aliou Cissé (Head Coach)
Cissé’s tactical discipline and long-term vision were key.
Notably:
- He lost the AFCON final as a player in 2002
- He won AFCON 2021 as head coach
This made him the first person to win AFCON as both player and coach for Senegal.
CAF officially recognized this achievement through its technical reports and tournament records.
Senegal’s AFCON Victory and Global Recognition
After winning AFCON:
- Senegal rose to Africa’s number one FIFA ranking
- Players gained increased global recognition
- Senegal became a model for long-term football development
FIFA’s official rankings and tournament summaries highlighted Senegal’s consistency and defensive excellence.
Multimedia Worth Exploring
To deepen understanding, readers may explore:
- Official AFCON 2021 highlights on CAF’s verified YouTube channel
- Match analysis videos from reputable broadcasters
- Documentary features on Senegal’s golden generation
These provide visual context to Senegal’s historic AFCON triumph.
If you’re a football fan or sports content creator, bookmark this guide and share it with others searching for accurate AFCON history.
Common Misconceptions About Senegal’s AFCON Win
“Senegal won AFCON in 2022”
This is partially incorrect.
The tournament was played in 2022, but officially named AFCON 2021, and records recognize Senegal as 2021 champions.
“Senegal has multiple AFCON titles”
Incorrect.
Despite consistent performances, how many African Cup of Nations does Senegal have?
The correct answer remains one.
Senegal’s AFCON Win in Historical Perspective
Compared to traditional African powerhouses like Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana, Senegal’s single title may seem modest.
However, the significance lies in:
- Ending a long wait
- Dominating African football rankings
- Setting standards for modern African football systems
Many analysts believe Senegal’s success marks the beginning of sustained continental dominance.
Final Thoughts: Which Year Did Senegal Won AFCON?
To summarize clearly and accurately:
-
Which year did Senegal won AFCON?
AFCON 2021 (played in 2022) -
How many African Cup of Nations does Senegal have?
One (1)
That single victory represents decades of effort, heartbreak, and ultimate triumph.
Final
If you want deeper insights into African football history, player profiles, and tournament breakdowns, explore more expert guides and stay updated with verified sources.
Understanding football history starts with accurate information—now you have it.
