Mama Diop: “AFCON 2025 triumph of the men's team inspires us to aim higher”

• Mama Diop distinguished herself with a brace against DR Congo during the last Women’s AFCON (4-0 victory).
• Inspired by the men’s team’s triumph at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025, the Lionesses of Teranga are determined to surpass their previous quarter-final finishes at WAFCON 2026.
• Qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is now a stated objective for the protégés of Mame Moussa Cissé.

At the last TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Lionesses of Teranga made a strong statement by defeating DR Congo 4-0, with Mama Diop scoring twice in a commanding display.

That result not only confirmed Senegal’s growing stature among Africa’s leading women’s teams, but also reflected the steady progress of the women’s game in the country. Now qualified for a third consecutive AFCON, the Lionesses have shown that their hard work, discipline and unity on the pitch are producing tangible results.

The recent success of the Senegalese men’s team, crowned African champions for the second time at AFCON 2025, has injected further belief and motivation into the women’s squad. As Mama Diop explains, witnessing the men’s triumph has encouraged the Lionesses to dream bigger and aim for similar heights at WAFCON 2026.

For this edition, the ambition is clear: to move beyond the quarter-finals and challenge for a place in the final, with the added objective of securing historic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

With a squad that combines youth and experience, and versatile players such as Diop who are comfortable on both feet, Senegal are intent on making history and inspiring a new generation.

CAFOnline.com: Senegal has qualified for its third consecutive Women’s AFCON. What does this success say about the development of women’s football in your country?

Mama Diop: It is a real sign of progress. Qualifying for the third time in a row shows that our work is paying off. Everything we do every day, in training and in matches, brings results. This qualification proves that women’s football in Senegal is growing and moving in the right direction.

Your male compatriots have just won their second continental title. How was this coronation experienced within the Lionesses’ camp?

We were extremely happy for them. It is a great source of pride to see the men’s team crowned African champions for the second time. It has given us even more motivation. People now expect Senegal to succeed in football, and seeing the boys reach the top pushes us to aim for the same level of excellence.

The last two Women’s AFCON campaigns ended in the quarter-finals for Senegal. In your view, what will it take to go further this time?

It comes down to hard work and discipline. In the previous editions, we stopped at the quarter-finals. This time, we want to go beyond that stage. The objective is clear: to take that next step, aim for the final and, why not, qualify for the biggest tournament in the world. It is an ambition shared by the entire team.

What has wearing the Senegal jersey changed in your career, both professionally and personally?

It has changed many things. Representing your country is an immense source of pride and gives you additional confidence. Professionally, it is recognition that marks an important turning point in my career. It also brings greater responsibility, because every match becomes an opportunity to wear our colours with honour and represent our people.

Your game has a particular quality: you are ambidextrous and comfortable with both feet. How does this influence your style and your decisions on the pitch?

Being able to use both feet has become natural for me and it is a real asset. It allows me to vary my passes, shots and movements, which can surprise opponents. I have scored with both my left and right foot, and that versatility helps the team play more fluidly. I believe it is something that benefits the whole group.

As in 2022, WAFCON 2026 will also serve as qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Is World Cup qualification now a clearly defined objective for your team?

Absolutely. It is a goal we all have in mind. Reaching the semi-finals and securing our ticket to the World Cup is a priority. Why not aim for a first qualification in our history? It would mean so much to us and to the entire country. We are working every day to make that dream a reality.