Senegal national football team
Mens national football team.
The Senegal national football team (French: Équipe de football du Sénégal), nicknamed Les Lions de la Téranga (Lions of Teranga), represents Senegal in international association football and is operated by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). The team has established itself as one of Africa's most prominent national sides, known for its passionate fan base and competitive spirit.
Senegal made its World Cup debut in 2002, where they achieved a remarkable run to the quarter-finals. In their opening match, they stunned defending champions France with a 1-0 victory, followed by a draw against Denmark and a win over Uruguay. They advanced to the knockout stage, defeating Sweden in extra time before losing to Turkey in the quarter-finals. This achievement made Senegal the second African team to reach this stage of the tournament, following Cameroon in 1990.
In continental competitions, Senegal has participated in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 17 times since their first appearance in 1965. They finished as runners-up in both 2002 and 2019 before finally winning their first AFCON title in 2021. In that tournament, they defeated Egypt in a tense final that ended in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw, marking a historic moment for Senegalese football.
Senegal has produced many notable players, including Sadio Mané, who is the team's all-time top scorer with 46 goals and has earned over 100 caps. Other key players include Idrissa Gueye and Kalidou Koulibaly, who have played significant roles in elevating the team's profile on the international stage.
The team plays its home matches at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium and is known for its strong tactical discipline and physical style of play. Under coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal continues to build on its successes while aiming for further achievements in international competitions. As of October 2024, Senegal is ranked 20th in the FIFA World Rankings, reflecting its status as a competitive force in African and world football.