Senegalese Football Federation
The Senegalese Football Federation (French: Fédération Sénégalaise de Football; FSF) is the governing body for association football in Senegal, responsible for administering the sport at national and domestic levels, including the men's and women's national teams known as the Lions of Teranga, professional leagues, and youth development initiatives.[1][2] Founded in 1960 in Dakar shortly after Senegal's independence from France, the FSF became a full member of FIFA in 1964 and of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), enabling participation in international competitions.[3][2] Under its oversight, Senegal's senior men's team secured its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021—held in 2022 due to delays—and advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation's deepest run in the tournament.[4] The federation's leadership transitioned in August 2025 when Abdoulaye Fall was elected president amid allegations of electoral irregularities raised by the defeated candidate, highlighting ongoing governance challenges in African football administration.[5][6]
History
Founding and Early Years (1960–1999)
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the governing body for football in Senegal, was established in 1960 in Dakar, coinciding with the country's independence from France on April 4 of that year.[3] The federation's formation marked the transition from colonial-era amateur clubs, often dominated by expatriates and military personnel, to a structured national organization aimed at promoting the sport domestically and internationally.[7] Early priorities included regulating competitions and nurturing talent in a resource-constrained environment, with football already entrenched as Senegal's most popular sport since the colonial period.[8] The FSF gained affiliation to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1963 and to FIFA in 1964, enabling Senegal's entry into continental and global competitions.[9] These affiliations facilitated the national team's debut international match on January 15, 1961, against Dahomey (modern Benin), which Senegal lost 2–3.[3] Domestically, the federation launched the national championship in 1960, with ASC Jeanne d'Arc of Dakar securing the inaugural title, laying the groundwork for professionalized leagues amid grassroots enthusiasm.[10] Through the 1960s and 1970s, the FSF focused on expanding participation via regional tournaments and basic infrastructure development, though international results remained modest; Senegal qualified for the 1965 Africa Cup of Nations but exited in the group stage after losses to Tunisia (1–2) and Ethiopia (0–1).[3] Subsequent AFCON appearances in 1986, 1990, and 1992 yielded similar early eliminations, reflecting challenges like inconsistent funding and player development. By the 1990s, the federation intensified efforts in youth scouting and domestic cups, culminating in Senegal's first competitive edge in qualifiers, setting the stage for future breakthroughs without notable titles in this era.[3]Emergence on the International Stage (2000–2010)
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) marked a pivotal era in the early 2000s by appointing French coach Bruno Metsu on November 10, 2000, which catalyzed the national team's rise in continental and global competitions.[11] Under FSF oversight, the Lions de la Teranga achieved their breakthrough at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali, advancing through the group stage undefeated before defeating Nigeria 2-1 after extra time in the semi-finals on February 8.[12] They reached the final for the first time but fell to Cameroon 0-0 (2-3 on penalties) on February 10, securing runners-up honors and establishing Senegal as a formidable African force.[13] This continental success propelled qualification for Senegal's inaugural FIFA World Cup appearance in 2002, where the FSF-coordinated squad delivered upset victories and drew international acclaim. On May 31, the team defeated defending champions France 1-0 in the tournament opener, with Papa Bouba Diop scoring the decisive header in the 30th minute at Seoul World Cup Stadium. They progressed from Group A with a 1-1 draw against Denmark on June 6 and a dramatic 3-3 draw versus Uruguay on June 11, finishing second behind Denmark on goal difference.[14] The campaign ended in the round of 16 with a 1-2 loss to Sweden on June 16, highlighted by Henrik Larsson's brace for the Europeans, yet the performance showcased tactical discipline and resilience under Metsu's guidance.[14] Post-2002, the FSF sustained the team's competitiveness amid coaching transitions following Metsu's departure in July 2002, though without replicating World Cup qualification. Senegal reached the quarter-finals at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, losing 0-1 to Egypt, and secured fourth place at the 2006 edition in Egypt after semi-final elimination.[15] Subsequent tournaments yielded group-stage exit in 2008 and quarter-final appearance in 2010, reflecting sustained participation but highlighting challenges in advancing beyond regional powerhouses amid inconsistent qualifying results for major events.[16] These achievements elevated the FSF's profile within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), fostering greater investment in national infrastructure and youth pipelines, though systemic issues like bonus disputes occasionally surfaced.[17]Modern Successes and Challenges (2011–Present)
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) experienced significant international successes during Augustin Senghor's presidency, which began in 2009 and extended through multiple re-elections, including a third term in 2017.[18] The federation oversaw the senior national team's first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2021, secured via a penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the final held in Cameroon in early 2022.[19] This triumph followed a runners-up finish in the 2019 AFCON and qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Senegal advanced from the group stage before elimination.[19] Additionally, the FSF-managed teams achieved a continental double in 2023 by winning the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with the senior squad and securing victories in youth competitions, including the U-20 AFCON.[19] These results elevated Senegal's FIFA ranking to consistently among Africa's top teams, reflecting effective talent identification and coaching appointments under FSF direction.[20] ![Senegal defends vs cross, Mexico vs Senegal @ London 2012][float-right] Domestic challenges persisted, however, undermining the FSF's broader impact. Local club football lagged behind international achievements, with Senegal failing to qualify for CHAN in four consecutive tournaments since 2011, often losing to regional rivals like Guinea.[21] Infrastructure deficiencies and limited resources hampered league development and grassroots programs, despite initiatives like the 2011 parallel youth league aimed at restructuring junior competitions.[22] The professional Ligue 1 Senegalais suffered from inconsistent funding and player migration to Europe, contributing to a talent drain that weakened domestic competitiveness.[22] Governance issues culminated in the FSF's 2025 presidential election, marked by chaos and allegations of electoral corruption. Incumbent Senghor, seeking a fifth term, withdrew after securing only 92 votes in the first round, citing irregularities, paving the way for Abdoulaye Fall's victory in a disputed second round.[5] Opponents accused Fall's camp of vote-buying and procedural flaws, highlighting ongoing transparency deficits in federation leadership transitions.[5] These events risked FIFA scrutiny, as similar disputes in African associations have led to interventions, though no suspension occurred for Senegal.[23] Despite such hurdles, the FSF's focus on international protocols sustained national team stability post-2022 AFCON, including hosting friendly internationals and qualifiers.[24]Organizational Structure
Executive Leadership and Committees
The Comité Exécutif of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) serves as the primary decision-making body, comprising 23 members elected during the general assembly on August 2-3, 2025, following statutes that allocate positions to representatives from professional and amateur leagues, regional bodies, clubs, and specialized sectors.[25][26] Abdoulaye Fall, aged 56 and previously a long-serving executive member and chairman of second-tier club Bambey FC, was elected president with 301 votes in a runoff, defeating candidates including incumbent Augustin Senghor (92 votes) and Mady Touré (116 votes), marking the end of Senghor's 16-year tenure that included overseeing Senegal's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.[27][28] Key leadership positions within the Comité Exécutif include:| Position | Name | Affiliation/Role Representation |
|---|---|---|
| President | Abdoulaye Fall | Elected head |
| 1st Vice-President | Babacar Ndiaye | Ligue Sénégalaise de Football Professionnel (LSFP) |
| 2nd Vice-President | Thierno Kosso Diène | Ligue de Football Amateur (LFA) |
| 3rd Vice-President | Pape Sidy Lo | General |
| 4th Vice-President | Amadou Kane | Office National des Clubs et Associations de Vacances (ONCAV) |
| 5th Vice-President | Elimane Lam | General |
| 6th Vice-President | Cheikh Seck | General |
| Secretary General | Abdoulaye Saydou Sow | Appointed October 25, 2025, replacing Victor Cissé |
| Sports Medicine Delegate | Dr. Babacar Ngom | Medical oversight |
Election Mechanisms and Reforms
The presidency of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is elected by the General Assembly, the federation's supreme decision-making body, which consists of delegates representing member entities such as professional and amateur clubs, the national amateur league, 14 regional leagues, and associated groups like the National Olympic Committee and Armed Forces Sports Union.[26] According to the FSF statutes, a presidential candidate requires a two-thirds majority of valid votes cast in the first round to secure victory; absent this threshold, a runoff proceeds between the top two candidates, where a simple majority determines the winner.[26] [32] The electoral commission, appointed prior to the vote, validates candidatures, oversees the process, and enforces rules including submission deadlines for dossiers and campaign restrictions.[33] In the August 2, 2025, elective general assembly, 571 delegates convened in Dakar, necessitating 381 votes for a first-round win.[34] Seven candidates initially qualified, though some withdrew, leaving key contenders including incumbent Augustin Senghor seeking a fifth term, Abdoulaye Fall, and Mady Touré.[35] No candidate achieved the required majority in the first round, leading to a second-round contest where Fall prevailed with 321 or 322 votes against Touré's 30, succeeding Senghor after his 16-year tenure since 2009.[27] [36] The vote also elected 16 executive committee members and vice presidents following statutory procedures.[37] Reforms to election mechanisms have been limited, with the process adhering to statutes unchanged since at least 2018, though candidates like Touré campaigned on restructuring domestic football and enhancing amateur club representation to address perceived elite dominance.[26] [38] The 2025 election drew criticism for procedural lapses, including alleged vote buying, insufficient ballot secrecy, and delays in publishing results—20 days post-vote—prompting Touré's appeal to the federation and reports of broader governance strains.[5] [39] [40] Earlier calls for overhaul, such as those in 2017 by former players advocating administrative transparency and reduced political interference, have yielded partial stability under Senghor but persistent questions on long-term accountability amid FIFA and CAF governance standards.[41] [42] The new leadership under Fall has initiated administrative adjustments, including advisor appointments, but no statutory electoral amendments have been enacted as of October 2025.[43]Administrative and Regulatory Framework
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) is governed by its statutes and internal regulations, which establish a hierarchical administrative structure centered on the General Assembly as the supreme legislative body, comprising delegates from affiliated clubs, regional leagues, and other groups with voting rights such as three votes per first-division club.[26] The Executive Committee, consisting of 23 members including one president, six vice-presidents, and 16 elected representatives, serves as the primary decision-making organ, meeting monthly to oversee operations, appoint commissions, and manage competitions.[26] The President acts as the legal representative, directing the implementation of decisions and supervising the General Secretariat, which handles daily administrative tasks under the Secretary General.[26] An Emergency Committee of eight members addresses urgent issues between Executive Committee sessions, while permanent commissions—such as those for finance, sports, and arbitration—provide advisory and regulatory functions.[26] Regulatory authority rests with the Executive Committee, which sets competition formats, dates, venues, participant numbers, and coach appointments, while delegating organization of professional leagues like the Ligue Senegalaise de Football Professionnel (LSFP) and amateur divisions to subordinate bodies such as the Ligue de Football Amateur, subject to FSF approval and homologation.[26] The FSF enforces disciplinary measures through its commission, imposing sanctions including fines, suspensions, and expulsions for infractions, in alignment with codes emphasizing integrity and the preservation of football's image as per FIFA guidelines.[44] Affiliations require clubs and leagues to adhere strictly to FSF statutes alongside those of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), ensuring compliance with international standards on governance, ethics, and transparency.[26][45] The Direction Technique Nationale (DTN) regulates coaching qualifications, exclusively authorizing CAF licenses A, B, and C courses in Senegal.[46] As a FIFA and CAF member, the FSF integrates global regulatory frameworks, including anti-doping protocols and fair play rules, while accrediting participants for national events. Recent leadership under President Abdoulaye Fall, elected on August 2, 2025, amid reported electoral irregularities, has included reorganizations such as the appointment of Abdoulaye Sow as Secretary General on October 24, 2025, to coordinate administrative activities and liaise with leagues.[5][47] Despite praise for Senegal's football governance stability and planning, sustainability concerns persist in implementation.[41]Domestic Football Initiatives
Professional Leagues and Competitions
The professional leagues in Senegal are managed by the Ligue Sénégalaise de Football Professionnel (LSFP), an entity established under the oversight of the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) to administer the top two tiers of domestic football. Professionalization of these leagues began in 2009, marking a shift from amateur structures to formalized contracts, though financial autonomy remains limited, with clubs relying heavily on federation subsidies and sponsorships.[48] The LSFP encompasses 28 clubs across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, organizing championships that feed into continental qualifiers for the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Ligue 1, the premier division founded in 1960, consists of 14 teams competing in a double round-robin format over 26 matches per season, typically running from August to May, though delays such as the 2025–26 start postponed to November 1 due to logistical issues have occurred.[48][49] The league champion qualifies for the CAF Champions League group stage, while the runner-up and Senegal FA Cup winner enter the Confederation Cup preliminary rounds; the bottom two teams face relegation to Ligue 2, with promotion slots filled by the top performers from the second tier.[50] Ligue 2 serves as the second professional division, also featuring 14 teams in a round-robin structure, where the top two clubs earn promotion to Ligue 1 and the bottom teams risk descent to regional amateur leagues.[51] This tier supports talent pipelines but grapples with similar infrastructural and funding constraints as Ligue 1, contributing to inconsistent scheduling. Key knockout competitions include the Senegal FA Cup (Coupe du Sénégal), established in 1961 as an open tournament for clubs across divisions, culminating in a final that determines the participant in the Super Cup alongside the Ligue 1 winner.[52] The Super Cup, an annual single-match event, pits these titleholders against each other to open the season, emphasizing rivalry between league and cup success.[53] These events, directly governed by the FSF, enhance competitive depth but have faced interruptions, such as temporary suspensions in response to administrative or external pressures.[54]Grassroots Programs Including Navetanes
The Navetanes tournaments constitute the primary grassroots football initiative in Senegal, consisting of inter-neighborhood and village competitions that emerged in the 1950s during the rainy season, when agricultural laborers known as navétanes organized matches in urban and rural areas.[55][56] These events, rooted in the Wolof term nawetaan meaning "to spend the rainy season," have evolved into a nationwide phenomenon fostering community cohesion, youth engagement, and talent identification, distinct from the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football's (FSF) formal structures yet increasingly aligned through regulatory oversight.[57] Encompassing over 3,500 sports and cultural associations across the country, the Navetanes involve nearly 500,000 licensed players, providing a vast pool for scouting prospective athletes who often transition to professional leagues or national youth teams.[58] The FSF has facilitated integration by recommending FIFA-endorsed reforms, including the use of official referees, stadium venues for key matches, and revenue-sharing mechanisms to professionalize operations, with bodies like the Organisme National de Coordination des Activités de Vacances (ONCAV) securing representation within FSF committees.[59] These efforts aim to channel grassroots talent into structured development pathways, though challenges persist, such as inconsistent infrastructure and occasional disputes over autonomy versus federation control.[60] Complementing Navetanes, the FSF supports grassroots development via the Ligue de Football Amateur, which organizes competitions for non-professional clubs and emphasizes skill-building at the community level, contributing to Senegal's broad base of approximately 60% population interest in football.[61] Recent government-backed reforms in 2025, convened under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, underscore ongoing collaboration to standardize Navetanes scheduling and fair play education, enhancing their role in national talent pipelines amid the Lions of Teranga's international successes.[62]Youth Academies and Talent Development
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) prioritizes youth talent development through structured programs that integrate scouting, training, and competitive opportunities, often in partnership with FIFA. Under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, the FSF has rolled out initiatives providing technical assistance, coaching upgrades, and performance analysis tools specifically for youth categories, aiming to build sustainable pathways from local play to national teams.[4][63] These efforts emphasize early identification of players aged 12-17, with a focus on physical conditioning, tactical education, and integration into regional leagues to foster technical proficiency.[4] A key milestone came in 2020 with the launch of national youth leagues for under-15 and under-17 groups, funded by the FIFA Forward Programme with an investment exceeding $500,000 to construct facilities and organize tournaments across Senegal's 14 regions.[64] These leagues have engaged over 5,000 young players annually, serving as a primary scouting ground for FSF's youth national teams and contributing to the progression of talents like those in the U-20 squad that reached the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations quarterfinals.[64] In April 2025, the FSF introduced Senegal's inaugural national U-17 championship, running through July and featuring 32 teams to unearth prospects from urban and rural areas alike, with matches held in Dakar and regional centers to ensure broad participation.[65] To support these competitions, the FSF invests in coach education via the FIFA/FSF Coach Educators' Development Pathway, launched in phases since 2022, which trains over 100 educators annually through e-learning modules and on-site workshops emphasizing age-appropriate methodologies.[66] Complementary programs include the establishment of developmental hubs for recreational football and reinforcement of school-based initiatives, which identify talents as young as 10 and channel them into FSF-monitored academies or clubs.[67] While private academies such as Generation Foot produce notable exports to European leagues, the FSF regulates licensing and standards to align them with national development goals, ensuring a coordinated ecosystem that has elevated Senegal's FIFA youth rankings in recent years.[68]Women's Football Promotion and Challenges
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) governs the women's national football team, known as the Lionesses of Teranga, which has qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals multiple times, including by defeating Egypt 3-0 on aggregate in the 2024 qualifiers.[69] Under coach Mame Moussa Cissé, the team has pursued a structured development project emphasizing patience and ambition, reaching the WAFCON quarter-finals in recent editions and preparing for the 2026 tournament qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire in late 2025.[70] The FSF supports domestic women's competitions, such as Division 2, where teams like AS Bambey claimed the 2022–2023 title with a 2–0 victory over Olympique Ziguinchor.[71] In 2025, the FSF advanced promotion through organizational reforms, including the creation of a U-20 women's national team led by coach Pape Abdoulaye Gaye and supported by Aïcha Henriette Ndiaye, who was appointed to FIFA's Women's Football Development Council to enhance expertise and resources.[72][73] The federation also held elections for its feminine commission, with candidates like Aïcha Henriette Ndiaye and others proposing visions to expand coaching, provincial leagues, and female participation.[74][75] These steps align with broader FSF efforts to formalize structures for women's football, which began gaining organized traction after informal play emerged in the 1970s.[76] Persistent challenges impede growth, including chronic underfunding that leaves women's teams reliant on sparse sponsorships and shared resources, contrasting sharply with investments in men's football.[77] Infrastructure deficits, such as inadequate training facilities and competition venues, exacerbate talent development issues, while limited media exposure reduces visibility and commercial appeal.[77] Socio-cultural barriers rooted in conservative norms—prevalent in Senegal's predominantly Muslim society—further constrain participation, with familial opposition prioritizing girls' domestic roles or education over sports, and religious influences viewing intense female physical exertion in public as incompatible with modesty standards.[77][78] Although mentalities are evolving, as evidenced by increasing player pathways to Europe, women's leagues remain semi-professional at best, lacking the autonomy and revenues of male counterparts.[79][80]National Teams Oversight
Senior Men's National Team Management
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) oversees the appointment, performance evaluation, and operational support for the coaching staff of the senior men's national team, known as the Lions de la Teranga. This includes direct involvement from the executive leadership, such as President Abdoulaye Fall, in selecting the head coach and technical team to align with national objectives like continental and global tournament success.[9] The FSF's general secretary and other officials coordinate administrative aspects, including contract negotiations and compliance with CAF and FIFA regulations.[1] Following the conclusion of Aliou Cissé's nearly decade-long tenure as head coach in October 2024—marked by the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory but ending after an early exit in the 2023 tournament—the FSF transitioned to new leadership. Cissé's contract was not renewed, prompting the federation to appoint Pape Bouna Thiaw, his former first assistant, as interim coach on October 5, 2024.[81][82] Thiaw, a 44-year-old Dakar native with prior experience coaching Senegal's CHAN team to a title, was promoted to permanent head coach on December 13, 2024, under a contract aimed at reclaiming the Africa Cup of Nations and securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[83][84] Thiaw's technical staff includes assistants such as Teddy Pellerin and Noureddine Bouachera, supporting tactical preparation and player development.[85] The FSF maintains oversight through regular performance reviews, funding allocation for camps and matches, and integration with domestic leagues for player selection, ensuring the team's competitiveness in qualifiers and major tournaments.[9] This structure emphasizes continuity from successful eras while addressing recent shortcomings in knockout-stage execution.Women's and Youth National Teams
The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) oversees the Senegal women's national football team, known as the Lionnes de la Teranga, which competes in international tournaments under Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA auspices. The team qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals by securing a 4-0 aggregate victory over Egypt in the second round of qualifiers. As of August 7, 2025, the squad holds the 81st position in the FIFA women's world rankings with 1,278.67 points.[86][87] FSF technical staff, including head coach Mame Moussa Cissé, manage player selection and preparation for qualifiers and friendlies, as demonstrated by the 24-player squad named for the return leg against Côte d'Ivoire in CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations eliminators. Earlier records list Sidate Sarr as coach, reflecting periodic changes in FSF appointments. The federation coordinates training camps and logistical support, though women's football faces structural challenges such as limited domestic infrastructure compared to men's programs.[88][9] For youth development, the FSF governs men's and women's national teams at U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels, integrating them into talent pipelines for senior squads through regional and continental competitions. The men's U-17 team achieved its first CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations title in 2023, defeating opponents in the group stage and knockout rounds to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023. The men's U-20 team advanced to the final of the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as runners-up, highlighting FSF investments in youth coaching and scouting.[89][90][91] In a recent expansion, the FSF established a U-20 women's national team in 2025, appointing Pape Abdoulaye Gaye as head coach with Aicha Henriette as assistant, to foster emerging female talent amid growing regional participation. U-23 teams, primarily men's, participate in Olympic qualifiers and CAF tournaments, with FSF emphasizing grassroots integration via domestic academies. These efforts align with FSF's broader mandate to standardize youth protocols, though performance metrics lag behind senior men's successes due to resource disparities.[72]Specialized Teams (Beach Soccer and Local Selections)
The Senegalese national beach soccer team, governed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), is Africa's most dominant force in the discipline, having secured multiple titles in the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.[92] The FSF coordinates team preparations, including training camps and player selections, as evidenced by official announcements of squads featuring players such as Al Seyni Ndiaye and Ousseynou Faye.[93] In continental competitions, Senegal claimed their fourth straight Africa Cup of Nations victory in 2022 by defeating Egypt in the final.[92] At the global level, the team achieved its joint-best finish of fourth place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in both 2021 and 2025.[94] During the 2025 edition in Seychelles, Senegal advanced to the semi-finals but fell 5-2 to Belarus, with goals from Sidy Fall and Mamour Diagne; they subsequently lost the third-place match 3-2 to Portugal.[95][96] Earlier group stage wins included a 6-3 victory over Tahiti, demonstrating the team's competitive edge under FSF oversight.[97] The FSF also manages Senegal's local national team, comprising players from domestic leagues, primarily for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).[98] This squad, known as the équipe nationale locale, won the CHAN title in 2022, marking a significant achievement for home-based talent.[99] For the 2024 CHAN edition, the FSF-supported team prepared with a 28-player training camp from June 30 to July 11, 2025, in Toubab Dialaw, followed by a final 25-player squad announcement under coach Souleymane Diallo.[100][101] As defending champions, the local team qualified emphatically, defeating Liberia 3-0 in the first leg of qualifiers, and participated in preparatory tournaments like the CECAFA Pre-CHAN event to test the roster.[102][103] The FSF provides financial incentives, awarding one million CFA francs per member for participation, underscoring its role in sustaining domestic player development and regional representation.[98]Achievements and Performance Metrics
Senior International Tournament Results
The senior men's national team, managed by the Senegalese Football Federation, achieved its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in the 2021 edition (hosted in 2022 in Cameroon), defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the final.[104] Prior successes include runner-up finishes in 2002 (losing 0-2 to Cameroon in the final) and 2019 (losing 0-1 to Algeria), alongside third-place results in 1968, 1986 (as hosts), and 1994.[104] In the 2023 AFCON (hosted in 2024 in Ivory Coast), Senegal advanced to the round of 16 but were eliminated by the hosts on penalties after a 1-1 draw.[105] Senegal has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on four occasions. In 2002, the team reached the quarter-finals, defeating hosts France 1-0 in the opening match and Sweden on penalties before a 2-1 extra-time loss to Turkey.[106] The 2018 edition in Russia ended in the group stage with one win (2-1 over Poland), one draw (2-2 with Japan), and one loss (0-1 to Colombia). In 2022 in Qatar, Senegal progressed to the round of 16, beating Ecuador 2-0 and drawing 3-3 with hosts Qatar in the group, before a 3-0 defeat to England; qualification for 2026 was secured on October 14, 2025, via a 4-0 win over Mauritania in World Cup qualifying.[107][108] The senior women's national team has qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) intermittently, with modest results. In the 2024 WAFCON (hosted in 2025), Senegal opened with a 4-0 group-stage victory over DR Congo, powered by braces from Mama Diop and Ngeunar Ndiaye, but lost 3-2 to Zambia and failed to advance from Group A.[109][110] Earlier appearances include quarter-final exits in 2018 and 2022, without advancing to semifinals or securing podium finishes. The team has not qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup.[111]| Tournament | Appearances | Best Result |
|---|---|---|
| AFCON (Men's) | 17 | Winners (2021)[104] |
| FIFA World Cup (Men's) | 4 | Quarter-finals (2002)[106] |
| WAFCON (Women's) | 5 | Quarter-finals (2018, 2022)[111] |