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 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 most talented players and coaches in the sport.
Early Years (1960s-1980s)
The Senegal national team was formed in 1960, shortly after the country gained independence from France. In the early years, the team struggled to make an impact, failing to qualify for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in its first few attempts.
1962: Senegal makes its debut at the AFCON, but is eliminated in the group stage.
- 1963: The team fails to qualify for the 1963 AFCON, but does participate in the 1964 African Championship of Nations.
- 1972: Senegal finally qualifies for the AFCON, but is eliminated in the group stage.
Rise to Prominence (1990s-2000s)
It wasn’t until the 1990s that Senegal began to make a name for itself in international football. The team’s fortunes changed with the arrival of coach Bruno Metsu, who led the team to its first AFCON title in 2002.
- 2000: Senegal qualifies for the 2000 AFCON, but is eliminated in the group stage.
- 2002: The team wins its first AFCON title, defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the final.
- 2004: Senegal qualifies for the 2004 AFCON, but is eliminated in the group stage.
Modern Era (2010s-present)
Under the leadership of coach Aliou Cissé, Senegal has continued to make progress in international football. The team has qualified for several major tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup and the 2022 AFCON.
- 2017: Senegal qualifies for the 2018 World Cup, its first appearance in the tournament since 2002.
- 2019: The team wins the 2019 AFCON, defeating Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1.
- 2022: Senegal qualifies for the 2022 AFCON, but is eliminated in the group stage.
Notable Players and Coaches
Senegal has produced some of the most talented players in football history, including:
- El Hadji Diouf: A prolific striker who played for several top clubs, including Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers.
- Pauleta: A prolific striker who played for several top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting CP.
- Abdoulaye Faye: A talented defender who played for several top clubs, including Newcastle United and Fulham.
- Aliou Cissé: A former player and current coach of the Senegal national team, who led the team to its first AFCON title in 2002.
