Senegal were a fading light by the time the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations finals came along, a far cry from the side that had delighted fans at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Although they lost just the one Group D game, they were one of the less impressive sides at the tournament, especially given their former glories in the recent past.
They came from behind to lead Tunisia in the tournament opener as Moustapha Bayal Sall and Diomansy Kamara scored for them, but a late equaliser from Mejdi Traoui meant they had to settle for a point.
Lamine N'Diaye's side were then humbled 3-1 by Angola in the next match, despite once more holding the lead thanks to an early goal from Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye, a result which made their particpation in the quarterfinals unlikely.
They needed to beat South Africa in their final game but could only draw 1-1, a lucky point too as Bafana Bafana missed a host of chances to win to the game. Henri Camara scored for the Lions of Teranga, which finished third in the pool on goal-difference.
Sadio Mane of Senegal reacts in disappointment after defeat during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Final football match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Final football match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal consoles Ismaila Sarr after defeat during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Final football match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President with CAF President Ahmad during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Total Branding on centre circle before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on 19 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Total Branding on centre circle before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on 19 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
General View of the trophy during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
General View of the trophy during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Samuel Eto'o walking with the trophy during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal challenged by Ismael Bennacer of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal tackled by Rami Bensebaini of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Adlane Guedioura of Algeria challenged by Henri Saivet of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal challenged by Rami Bensebaini of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Aissa Mandi of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal challenged by Baghdad Bounedjah of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal challenged by Ismael Bennacer of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Mohamed Belaili of Algeria challenged by Lamine Gassama of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Adlane Guedioura of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Samuel Eto'o walking with the trophy during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ismael Bennacer of Algeria challenged by Lamine Gassama of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Mohamed Belaili of Algeria challenges Ismaila Sarr of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Lamine Gassama of Senegal challenged by Mohamed Belaili of Algeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Closing Ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Closing Ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Closing Ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Closing Ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal players warming up during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Closing ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Closing ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Closing ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Closing ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Closing ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Closing ceremony during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal arrivals during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal players arrivals during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal players arrivals during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal arrives during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal players arrivals during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
General view as fans beging to arrive for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on 19 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
TOTAL fan zone during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal fans begin to arrive before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on 19 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal changeroom general view during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal changeroom general view during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal changeroom general view during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal changeroom general view during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, Final match between Senegal and Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 19 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final match between Senegal and Algeria at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 19 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal palyers celebrate after the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal celebrates with teammates and fans after the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Senegal palyers celebaret after the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Alfred Gomis of Senegal celebrates with teammate Keita Balde after the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Cheikhou Kouyate of Senegal runs to celebrate after his team takes the lead in extra time during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Senegal players celebrates after victory during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Alfred Gomis of Senegal wins TOTAL Man of the Match award during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Papa Alioune Ndiaye of Senegal shields is challenged by Taha Yassine Khenissi of Tunisia during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Ben Mohamed Ayman of Tunisia is challenged by Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Cheikhou Kouyate of Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal challenged by Ellyes Joris Skhiri of Tunisia during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ferjani Sassi of Tunisia challenged by Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Taha Yassine Khenissi of Tunisia challenged by Alfred Gomis of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Drager Mohamed of Tunisia during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Drager Mohamed of Tunisia during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Wahbi Khazri of Tunisia challenged by Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Taha Yassine Khenissi of Tunisia challenged by Papa Alioune Ndiaye of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Papa Alioune Ndiaye of Senegal challenged by Taha Yassine Khenissi of Tunisia during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Ferjani Sassi of Tunisia during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Papa Alioune Ndiaye of Senegal challenged by Taha Yassine Khenissi of Tunisia during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal arrives before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
General view of 39 June Stadium before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Ellyes Joris Skhiri of Tunisia challenged by Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal players arrive before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Ellyes Joris Skhiri of Tunisia during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal fans during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals match between Senegal and Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 14 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal dressing room before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Senegal dressing room before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Senegal players arrive before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal game between Senegal and Tunisia at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 14 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, semifinals Senegal training at 30 June Stadium Annex, Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Henri Saivet of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, semifinals Senegal training at 30 June Stadium Annex, Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal players during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, semifinals Senegal training at 30 June Stadium Annex, Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Senegal players during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, semifinals Senegal training at 30 June Stadium Annex, Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal chats with players during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, semifinals Senegal training at 30 June Stadium Annex, Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal chats to media during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal press conference for Senegal at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Lamine Gassama of Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal press conference for Senegal at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal press conference for Senegal at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Lamine Gassama of Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal press conference for Senegal at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Lamine Gassama of Senegal chats to media during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals semifinal press conference for Senegal at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 13 July 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal celebrates goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal celebrates goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal celebrates goal with teammates during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal celebrates goal with Aliou Cisse, head coach of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Cebio Soukou of Benin challenged by Mbaye Hamady Niang of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal celebrates goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Keita Balde of Senegal fouled by Seidou Baraze of Benin during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Stephane Sessegnon of Benin during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Emmanuelle Imorou of Benin fouled by Papa Alioune Ndiaye of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal challenged by Cebio Soukou of Benin during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Senegal and Benin at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Senegal
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