Senegal National Team Football History: A Complete Guide
The Senegal national team, also known as the Lions of Teranga, has a rich and storied history in international football. With a population of just over 16 million people, Senegal has punched above its weight in the world of football, producing some of the greatest players and coaches of all time.
Early Years (1960s-1980s)
The Senegal national team was first established in 1960, just as the country gained independence from France. In the early years, the team struggled to make an impact, failing to qualify for the World Cup or the African Cup of Nations.
- 1962: Senegal’s first international match was a friendly against Guinea, which they lost 3-1.
1965: Senegal participated in the African Cup of Nations for the first time, but were eliminated in the first round.
- 1972: Senegal qualified for the African Cup of Nations for the first time, but finished bottom of their group.
Rise to Prominence (1990s-2000s)
It wasn’t until the 1990s that Senegal started to make a name for itself in international football. The team’s fortunes changed with the appointment of coach Bruno Metsu, who led the team to their first major tournament victory in 2002.
- 1992: Senegal qualified for the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 22 years, but were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
- 1998: Senegal qualified for the World Cup for the first time, but were eliminated in the group stage.
- 2002: Senegal reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Turkey.
Modern Era (2010s-present)
Today, the Senegal national team is one of the top teams in African football. Led by stars like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly, the team has consistently qualified for major tournaments and has a strong chance of winning the African Cup of Nations.
- 2017: Senegal reached the final of the African Cup of Nations, where they were defeated by Cameroon.
- 2018: Senegal qualified for the World Cup for the second time in their history.
- 2022: Senegal reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they were eliminated by England.
Conclusion
The Senegal national team has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1960s. With a rich history, talented players, and a passionate fan base, the team is sure to continue making waves in the world of football for years to come.
