Senegal national team football history complete guide

Senegal National Team Football History: A Complete Guide

The Senegal national team football history is a rich and fascinating one, spanning over eight decades. From their humble beginnings to their current status as one of the top teams in Africa, the Senegalese Lionceaux have a story to tell that will captivate and inspire football fans around the world.

Early Years (1960s-1980s)

The Senegal national team was formed in 1960, after the country gained independence from France. In the early years, the team struggled to make a name for themselves, failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations.

• 1962: Senegal’s first international match was played against Guinea, which they lost 4-0.

• 1972: The team finished third in the West African Championship, their first major tournament.

• 1986: Senegal qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, but were eliminated in the group stage.

Rise to Prominence (1990s-2000s)

The 1990s marked a turning point for the Senegalese national team. Under the leadership of coach Bruno Metsu, the team began to show promise and started to make a name for themselves on the international stage.

• 1992: Senegal finished fourth in the Africa Cup of Nations, their best finish to date.
• 2002: The team reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Turkey.
• 2002: Senegal also won the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the final.

Modern Era (2010s-present)

Today, the Senegal national team is one of the top teams in Africa, with a talented squad and a strong coach in Aliou Cissé. The team has qualified for several major tournaments, including the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

• 2018: Senegal reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup, where they were eliminated by England.
• 2019: The team won the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Algeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1.
• 2021: Senegal qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, but were eliminated in the group stage.

Conclusion

The Senegal national team football history is a testament to the country’s passion and dedication to the beautiful game. From their humble beginnings to their current status as one of the top teams in Africa, the Senegalese Lionceaux have a story to tell that will inspire and captivate football fans around the world.