TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Know Your Team: Senegal
After their historic TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title triumph in 2021, the Lions of Teranga have been on a quest to solidify their status as one of Africa’s footballing giants.
With an impressive history of resilience, Senegal has turned past disappointments, such as their runner-up finishes in 2002 and 2019, into motivation for success.
Guided by the ambitious Pape Thiaw and boasting a mix of established stars like Sadio Mané and rising talents such as Lamine Camara, Senegal heads into TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 with renewed determination.
For the Lions, this tournament is more than a competition—it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance and add another glorious chapter to their footballing legacy.
Fact file
- Nickname: Teranga Lions
- AFCON Appearances: 17
- Best Performance: Winners (2021)
- FIFA Ranking: 17 (January 2025)
How They Got There
Senegal secured their place at AFCON 2025 with an undefeated qualifying campaign, amassing five wins and one draw. They are one of only eight teams to have remained unbeaten during the qualifiers, joining the likes of Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.
The Coach: Pape Thiaw
Pape Thiaw represents a fresh chapter in Senegalese football. As a former striker, Thiaw was part of Senegal’s historic 2002 FIFA World Cup team that reached the quarter-finals. His playing career included stints in Ligue 1, Spain, and Switzerland, giving him invaluable top-level experience.
Thiaw transitioned into coaching with great success, leading Senegal’s local team to a historic victory at the CHAN 2022.
His tactical acumen and motivational leadership earned him the senior national team role, where he has brought an attacking, high-intensity style combined with a solid defensive structure.
With a roster featuring experienced leaders and a promising new generation, Thiaw is tasked with keeping Senegal at the top of African football.
Player to Watch: Lamine Camara
At just 21 years old, Lamine Camara is already a household name in Senegalese football. Crowned CAF Young Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, Camara has cemented his reputation as a rising star with his exceptional performances in continental competitions.
A complete midfielder, Camara combines tactical intelligence with technical finesse. His ability to control the tempo of the game, make key defensive contributions, and deliver decisive passes makes him an invaluable asset in Senegal’s midfield.
Camara’s impact was most evident during the CHAN 2022 and the U-20 AFCON 2023, where he played pivotal roles in Senegal’s victories. Known for his composure and leadership beyond his years, Camara embodies the future of Senegalese football and is poised to shine on the big stage at AFCON 2025.
Past Performances
Senegal’s AFCON history is a testament to perseverance. Their journey has been marked by heartbreaks and triumphs, showcasing their evolution as a football powerhouse.
In 2002, a golden generation led by El-Hadji Diouf and Khalilou Fadiga reached the final but fell short in a penalty shootout against Cameroon. Another close call came in 2019, when Senegal lost 1-0 to Algeria in the final.
The breakthrough finally came at AFCON 2021, with Senegal defeating Egypt on penalties to claim their first continental title. Sadio Mané’s heroics in the final secured their place in African football history.
Though they entered AFCON 2023 as defending champions, Senegal faced a surprising Round of 16 exit at the hands of hosts Côte d’Ivoire. However, the Lions rebounded strongly, showcasing their resilience during AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Did You Know?
If Pape Thiaw leads Senegal to victory at AFCON 2025, he will become the first coach to win both the CHAN and AFCON titles.
With a blend of experienced stars, emerging talents, and a visionary coach, Senegal heads into TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 as strong contenders, determined to reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of African football.