Senegal have been among the powerhouses of African football for over a decade, but the national team, known as the Lions of Teranga, have been struggling recently, failing to reach the 2010 World or African Cup finals after finishing behind Gambia and Algeria in the initial qualifying stage.
This has seen Senegal slip down the FIFA rankings to 89th position – at one stage they were as high as 26th place.
Senegal’s crowing glory came at the 2002 World Cup, when they beat champions France 1-0 in the opening game, a victory made even more sweet by the fact that many Senegalese-born players (including Patrick Viera, who played in that game), have gone on to represent France.
In 2002, Senegal went all the way to the last eight, a feat also achieved by Cameroon and the best an African side has ever done in a World Cup. That, however, is the first and last time that Senegal have played in the finals.
Of the squad that did duty in the finals, the likes of El Hadji Diouf, Papa Bouba Diop, Amdy Faye, Habib Beye, Henri Camara (Senegal’s most capped and highest goal-scorer to date) and Salif Diou went on to become household names and earned moves to the English Premiership.
Senegal have had relative success in the African Cup of Nations, having participated 11 times. Their best finish was in 2002, when they lost on penalties to Cameroon in the final. They also finished fourth in 1965, 1990 and 2006. Nearly all of the Senegalese national team players ply their trade in the major European leagues, although there is a Premier League in existence in Senegal. This has been in operation since 1966 and the most successful clubs have been ASC Diaraf and ASC Jeanne d'Arc, who have both won 10 titles.
Krepin Diatta of Senegal receives the Total Man of the Match award after the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Salif Sane of Senegal wins header against John Bocco of Tanzania during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium, Ciro, Egypt on 23 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal challenged by Mudathir Yahya of Tanzania during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium, Ciro, Egypt on 23 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Mbwana Samatta of Tanzania during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium, Ciro, Egypt on 23 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
John Bocco of Tanzania tackles Ismaila Sarr of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium, Ciro, Egypt on 23 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Keita Balde of Senegal celebrates his goal with teammates Moussa Waque and Idrissa Gana Gueye of Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Simon Msuva of Tanzania is challenged by Salif Sane of Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Keita Balde of Senegal celebrates his goal during the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Keita Balde of Senegal celebrates goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals football match between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium, Ciro, Egypt on 23 June 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Senegal squad arrives shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
General view inside the Senegal dressing room shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
General view inside the Tanzania dressing room shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Senegal squad arrives shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Tanzania squad arrives shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 Finals game between Senegal and Tanzania at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 23 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, coach of Senegal and Cheikhou Kouyate of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Senegal press conference at 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 22 June 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, coach of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Senegal press conference at 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 22 June 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Cheikhou Kouyate of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Senegal press conference at 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 22 June 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Cheikhou Kouyate of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Senegal press conference at 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 22 June 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Aliou Cisse, coach of Senegal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Senegal press conference at 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 22 June 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
epa06847857 Senegal players react after the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847872 Players of Senegal react after the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847845 Moussa Konate of Senegal reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847835 Salif Sane of Senegal reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847840 Moussa Konate of Senegal reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847790 Sadio Mane (L) of Senegal and Santiago Arias of Colombia in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847784 Sadio Mane (L) of Senegal and Juan Cuadrado of Colombia in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847712 Luis Muriel of Colombia (top) and goalkeeper Khadim N'Diaye of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847501 Radamel Falcao (L) of Colombia tackles Lamine Gassama of Senegal during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
Johan Mojica of Colombia (L) and Ismaila Sarr of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 18 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847435 Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal (L) and Juan Cuadrado of Colombia in action during the FIFA World Cup 18 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847465 Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal (L) and Juan Cuadrado of Colombia in action during the FIFA World Cup 18 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847466 Lamine Gassama (front) of Senegal and Mateus Uribe of Colombia in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847470 Sadio Mane of Senegal (R) and Santiago Arias of Colombia in action during the FIFA World Cup 18 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847471 Sadio Mane of Senegal (R) and Carlos Sanchez of Colombia in action during the FIFA World Cup 18 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06847484 Sadio Mane of Senegal (L) in action during the FIFA World Cup 18 group H preliminary round soccer match between Senegal and Colombia in Samara, Russia, 28 June 2018.
epa06836927 Cheikhou Kouyate (L) of Senegal and Takashi Inui (2-L) of Japan in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836929 Idrissa Gueye of Senegal and Shinji Okazaki of Japan in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
Yuto Nagatomo (L) of Japan and Ismaila Sarr of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836874 Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836890 Hiroki Sakai (L) of Japan and Sadio Mane (2-L) of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836464 Genki Haraguchi of Japan (L) and Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal in action the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
Takashi Inui (L) of Japan and Ismaila Sarr of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836711 Idrissa Gueye (L) of Senegal and Takashi Inui of Japan in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
Hiroki Sakai (L) of Japan in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836688 Sadio Mane of Senegal (R) and Genki Haraguchi of Japan in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836617 Maya Yoshida of Japan (R) and Sadio Mane of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06836505 Makoto Hasebe (R) of Japan and Alfred N'Diaye of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Japan and Senegal in Ekaterinburg, Russia, 24 June 2018.
epa06821770 Robert Lewandowski (L) of Poland in action against Senegal's Ismaila Sarr (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821771 M'Baye Niang of Senegal celebrates after scoring the 2-0 lead during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
Senegal's players celebrate their lead goal during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821735 Players of Senegal celebrate the 2-0 lead during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821746 M'Baye Niang of Senegal (R) on his way to score the 2-0 during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
Sadio Mane (2-R) of Senegal in action against Jakub Blaszczykowski (2-L) of Poland during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821493 Kamil Grosicki of Poland (L) and Ismaila Sarr of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821461 Moussa Wague (L) of Senegal and Maciej Rybus of Poland in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821487 Lukasz Piszczek (C) of Poland and Idrissa Gueye of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821388 Kamil Grosicki of Poland (L) and Idrissa Gueye of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821415 Piotr Zielinski of Poland (R) and Mame Diouf of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
epa06821439 Jakub Blaszczykowski of Poland (R) and Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group H preliminary round soccer match between Poland and Senegal in Moscow, Russia, 19 June 2018.
Sadio Mane of Senegal celebrates a goal with teammates
Sadio Mane of Senegal celebrates a goal with teammates during the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers football match between South Africa and Senegal at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on 10 November 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Themba Zwane of South Africa challenged by Cheikhou Kouyate of Senegal during the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers football match between South Africa and Senegal at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on 10 November 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Lebogang Manyama of South Africa challenged by Salif Sane of Senegal during the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers football match between South Africa and Senegal at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on 10 November 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal celebrates a goal with teammates and Dean Furman of South Africa reacts during the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers football match between South Africa and Senegal at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on 10 November 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Diafra Sakho of Senegal challenged by Clayton Daniels of South Africa during the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers football match between South Africa and Senegal at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on 10 November 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Thamsanqa Mkhize of South Africa scores own goal after shot from Sadio Mane of Senegal as Itumeleng Khune looks on during the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between South Africa and Senegal at Peter Mokaba, Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa on 10 November 2017 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Victorien Adje Adebayor. Z of Niger challenged by Assane Mbodj of Senegal during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Soumana Amadou Moussa of Niger challenged by Daouda Gueye Dieme of Senegal during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Amadou Dia Ndiaye of Senegal challenged by Abdoulaye Katkore Boureima of Niger during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Amadou Dia Ndiaye of Senegal shields ball from Abdoulaye Katkore Boureima of Niger during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Elimane Oumar of Senegal challenged by Hainikoye Soumana Boubacar of Niger during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Man of the match Ablaye Diene of Senegal during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Abdoulaye Katkore Boureima of Niger challenged by Alhassane Ndao of Senegal during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Alhassane Ndao of Senegal during 2017 WAFU Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Niger at Cape Coast Sports Stadium in Cape Coast, Ghana on 15 September 2017 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr from senegal ( L ) vies for the ball with Kone Bakarye from Burkina Faso ( R ) during theiir match 2018 fifa World Cup Russia Qualifying Match Senegal vs Burkinafaso At Stadium Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar , Senegal, 2 September
Wague Moussa l ( L ) vies for the ball with two Burkina Faso players( R ) during theiir match 2018 fifa World Cup Russia Qualifying Match Senegal vs Burkinafaso At Stadium Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar , Senegal, 2 September
Balde Keita Diao from senegal in the middle l ( L ) vies for the ball with Burkina Faso players( R ) during theiir match 2018 fifa World Cup Russia Qualifying Match Senegal vs Burkinafaso At Stadium Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar , Senegal, 2 September
2018 fifa World Cup Russia Qualifying Match Senegal vs Burkinafaso At Stadium Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar , Senegal, 2 September
Nakoulma Nguibe Prejuce from Burkkna Faso ( front of ) vies for the ball with Alfred Ndiaye from senegal ( Behind ) ) during theiir match 2018 fifa World Cup Russia Qualifying Match Senegal vs Burkinafaso At Stadium Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar , Senegal, 2 September
Serigne Mbodji of Senegal is challenged by Benjamin Moukandjo of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Lamine Gassama of Senegal challenges Benjamin Moukandjo of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Joseph Ebogo of Cameroon is challenged by Keita Balde of Senegal during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Serigne Mbodji of Senegal is challenged by Benjamin Moukandjo of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Lamine Gassama of Senegal challenges Benjamin Moukandjo of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Joseph Ebogo of Cameroon is challenged by Keita Balde of Senegal during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Sadio Mane of Senegal reacts in disappointment for missing a penalty during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Senegal players dejected after loosing on penalties during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Keita Balde of Senegal challenges Collins Fai of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Serigne Mbodji of Senegal is challenged by Adolph Teikeu Kamgang of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Christian Bassogog of Cameroon is challenged by Keita Balde of Senegal during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Adolph Teikeu Kamgang of Cameroon challenges Sadio Mane of Senegal during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Keita Balde of Senegal is challenged by Collins Fai of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Mame Biram Diof of Senegal is challenged by Michael Ngadeu of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Mame Biram Diof of Senegal tackles Sebastien Siani of Cameroon during the Afcon Quarter Final match between Senegal and Cameroon on the 28 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Serigne Mbodji of Senegal is challenged by Sofiane Hanni of Algeria during the Afcon Group B match between Senegal and Algeria on the 23 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Yacine Nasr Brahimi of Algeria is challenged by Papa Kouly Diop of Senegal during the Afcon Group B match between Senegal and Algeria on the 23 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal is challenged by Sofiane Hanni of Algeria during the Afcon Group B match between Senegal and Algeria on the 23 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Ismaila Sarr of Senegal is challenged by Sofiane Hanni of Algeria during the Afcon Group B match between Senegal and Algeria on the 23 January 2017 at Franceville , Gabon Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
Senegal
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