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Senegal's AFCON History: A Journey of Near Misses and Triumph

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. istory-a-journey-of-near-misses-and-triumph.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 4:03 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: SENEGAL, CAMEROON, EGYPT, GHANA, NIGERIA, COTE D'IVOIRE

A History of Close Calls

Senegal's AFCON journey began in 1992, a debut marked by an early exit in the group stage. While a sobering start, it laid the groundwork for future participation. The real pain began in 2002. Hopes were high, fueled by a squad brimming with potential, but they were ultimately dashed in the final against Cameroon, a defeat that haunted Senegalese football for years. The following years were a mix of progress and regression, with group stage exits in 2006 and a quarter-final appearance in 2012. The period between 2013 and 2019 witnessed a string of semi-final appearances - 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Each time, the dream of lifting the trophy faded just within reach, fostering a sense of 'what if' amongst supporters.

Those semi-final defeats, especially the painful 2017 loss to Cameroon, fueled a national desire for change, for a different approach, and ultimately, for a victory.

The 2021 Triumph: A Story of Resilience

The 2021 tournament, held in Cameroon, finally provided the script that Senegalese fans had desperately yearned for. Senegal navigated the group stage with relative ease, setting the stage for a series of knockout matches that tested their resolve. Victories over Cape Verde, Guinea, and Burkina Faso demonstrated a newfound maturity and tactical flexibility. The final against Egypt, however, was a classic AFCON encounter - a tense, scoreless draw that extended into extra time. The weight of history pressed down on both teams, but it was ultimately Sadio Mane, cool and composed, who stepped up to score the decisive penalty, sparking scenes of unrestrained joy across Senegal.

Key Stats and Records

Senegal's overall AFCON record paints a picture of consistent competitiveness:

• Matches Played: 31
• Wins: 14
• Draws: 10
• Losses: 7
• Goals Scored: 36
• Goals Conceded: 23

While the statistics showcase a relatively balanced record, the 2021 victory significantly altered Senegal's legacy. It not only provided tangible success but also instilled a sense of belief and national pride.

Looking Ahead

The 2021 AFCON title wasn't just an ending; it was a beginning. It's a benchmark for future Senegalese teams. The current squad, now experienced and battle-tested, faces the challenge of maintaining that level of performance and continuing the nation's footballing success. As Senegal prepares for future competitions, the memory of that historic 2021 victory will serve as a constant reminder of what's possible - a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and unwavering national support.