Hard work pays off. That aptly describes Senegal’s triumphant campaign at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon. After seven matches and scoring nine goals from open play, Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy for the first time in history, defeating Egypt in the final.
A Journey of Persistence and Growth
Senegal first appeared at AFCON in 1965, finishing fourth on debut. For decades, their performances were inconsistent, with two runner-up medals and a 2002 FIFA World Cup quarter-final run being their biggest achievements. They also made history in 2018 as the first team eliminated from a World Cup due to fair play rules.
Despite these setbacks, Senegal never gave up. With long-term planning, consistency, and faith in their coaching team, they built a side that would finally conquer Africa.
The Role of Coach Aliou Cissé
Head coach Aliou Cissé, a former captain of Senegal’s iconic 2002 squad, was appointed in 2015. Under his leadership, Senegal reached the AFCON 2019 final in Egypt, losing narrowly to Algeria. Despite that disappointment, Senegal stayed at the top of FIFA’s African rankings for over two years.
Cissé’s belief in his squad paid off in Cameroon as the Lions of Teranga displayed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.
Senegal’s Road to Glory
Placed in Group B with Zimbabwe, Guinea, and Malawi, Senegal started slowly:
- Defeated Zimbabwe 1-0
- Drew 0-0 with Guinea
- Drew 0-0 with Malawi
They advanced with just one goal scored, but momentum grew in the knockout stages:
- Round of 16: Beat Cape Verde 2-0
- Quarter-final: Defeated Equatorial Guinea 3-1
- Semi-final: Overpowered Burkina Faso 3-1
- Final: Drew 0-0 with Egypt after 120 minutes, then won 4-2 on penalties at Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé.
Star forward Sadio Mané scored the winning penalty, cementing his status as a national hero.
What Next for Senegal?
To surpass the legendary 2002 squad, this Senegalese generation must now qualify for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Standing in their way are the Pharaohs of Egypt in the play-offs, a rematch that promises high drama as Egypt seeks revenge.
