Senegal, a country located on the coast of West Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean in the west, has become a rising powerhouse in African football. Their recent success in men’s football is a testament to the country’s commitment to developing its football programme at all levels.
The West African country has been on an impressive winning streak, securing four African titles in the space of only 13 months. The country’s senior national team won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February 2021, followed by the African Beach Soccer championship in October of the same year, and the CHAN championship in January 2023. Their latest achievement is winning their first-ever Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, beating their neighbours Gambia 2-0 in the final. This impressive performance also saw them qualify for the U-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Indonesia later this year.
Senegal’s recent run of success in African football has been impressive and it is a reward for their dedication and hard work. The highlight of the dominating nature of Senegal’s current status as top dogs in African football was obvious in their latest victory at the U-20 AFCON. The Senegalese team scored a remarkable 14 goals and conceded none, winning all their matches. It was the latest in a string of clear indications that Senegal is now a dominant force in African football and their successes show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The recent success of the Senegalese football team is not limited to just the senior and youth levels. Senegal is also in contention for two other titles – the Under-17 championship in Algeria next month and the Under-23 Cup in Morocco in May/June. If they win those, they have successfully swept all six men’s titles in Africa. Even though their current four titles are unprecedented, clearing all six, at all age ranges, will be beyond belief. There will be an unbelievable sense of the arrival of a never-before-seen domineering footballing power on the African continent especially in the men’s category of the sport. It will be an accomplishment the continent has never witnessed before.
This has led to queries about Senegal’s rise to this level of dominance in African football. The reality is that the country’s current status has been driven by a combination of factors, including a strong domestic league, a focus on youth development, and a commitment to creating a cohesive national team. To arrive at where they are currently, a look at their football pedigree is apposite. With a population of about 17 million people and a deep passion for the sport, football is a crucial part of Senegalese culture, and the current progress of their national teams is a testament to a rich history. Football was introduced to Senegal during the colonial era by French administrators, and it quickly became a popular sport among the local population. The first official football club in Senegal, the US Gorée, was founded in 1902. However, it wasn’t until 1963 that the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was established, and the country began to develop its own football infrastructure.
Senegal’s national team, also known as the Lions of Teranga, made their first appearance in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1965. However, it was not until the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan that the team truly made a name for themselves on the international stage. Led by legendary striker El Hadji Diouf, Senegal defeated reigning champions France in the opening game of the tournament and made it all the way to the quarter-finals, where they were eventually defeated by Turkey.
Their displays in continental competitions are not removed from their homegrown football development system. Domestic football in Senegal is also on the rise, with the professional league, known as the Ligue 1, being established in 1966. The league has undergone significant growth in recent years, with the number of teams increasing from 12 to 14 in 2021. The league is also becoming more competitive, with a number of clubs vying for the title each season. One of the most successful clubs in Senegal is Generation Foot, based in the town of Dakar. Founded in 2000, the club has rapidly risen through the ranks and won its first Ligue 1 title in 2017. Generation Foot has also become known for its youth development program, with several players going on to play for the national team and European clubs.
Senegalese football faced one of the biggest issues – infrastructure – squarely. They began updating many football facilities in the country, which were in poor condition. Their investment in infrastructure has also led to a coaching level growth and training opportunities for young players have grown exponentially as a result. They also faced the challenge of player development. While the country was producing a number of world-class players, there was a need for a more structured and comprehensive approach to player development from a young age. They handled this by investing in youth Academies and grassroots football programs. The growth began gradually but today, there is a growing interest from investors and sponsors. This has the potential to lead to increased investment in infrastructure and player development, as well as greater exposure for Senegalese football on the international stage.
One of the key factors behind Senegal’s success is their well-structured football system, which has produced a wealth of talent in recent years. As aforesaid, the country’s football federation has invested heavily in grassroots development, providing young players with access to coaching, facilities, and support to nurture their talents. Furthermore, the Senegalese domestic league has been a key factor in the country’s success, with teams like Jaraaf, Generation Foot, and Diambars producing talented young players who have gone on to making exploits domestically, continentally and internationally. Some of these stars have also come to represent the country and play in the national team. The inclusion of these players have helped to boost the quality of the teams that they have been called at different age ranges.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), as hitherto mentioned, has also been investing heavily in youth development, with the establishment of Football Academies across the country. These Academies provide a pathway for young players to progress from grassroots football to professional level, and ultimately to the national team. In addition to the focus on youth development, the Senegalese national team has benefited from a strong sense of unity and cohesion. The team is made up of players from across the country, and the squad is known for its strong team spirit and work ethic. The victories of the national teams, at the senior and U-20 AFCON, the CHAN and Beach Soccer units, have shown that they are willing to work hard for each other, and this has been a key factor in their recent success.
Senegal’s dominance of African beach soccer has been further strengthened as they secured their fourth consecutive Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title on Friday, October 28th, 2022, after beating Egypt’s Pharaohs 2-2 in a tense final in the Vilankulo Arena. The Teranga Lions of Senegal have established themselves as a dominant force in African beach soccer, and their impressive run of major titles is a testament to their experience, talent, and hard work. It was the same drive evident in their first-ever Africa U-20 Cup of Nations title earlier this month, adding to an impressive run of major titles in Africa. With victories at the senior level and in CHAN, Senegal has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in African football. The Teranga Cubs’ victory is a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and determination, and is a proud moment for Senegal’s football community.
The successes of the men’s national teams have also inspired younger generations, who see the likes of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy as role models and who will want to emulate the CHAN and U-20 youngsters to bring honour to the country. The players in the youth teams have shown a strong sense of national pride, and this has translated into their performances on the field. The team’s style of play is also worth noting. They play with a direct approach, pressing opponents aggressively and attacking with pace and precision. This style of play has made them a formidable opponent in Africa and has earned them respect from their rivals.
Senegal’s success in football is not just limited to the men’s team. The country’s women’s team has also been making waves in African football, finishing as runners-up in the 2019 Women’s AFCON. This is a clear indication that Senegal’s commitment to developing football at all levels is paying off.
Indeed, the Senegal national football team has a rich history, and the sport has deep roots in the country. The team has had some notable successes on the international stage, and the sport continues to be immensely popular in the country. The country’s football infrastructure has undergone significant improvements over the past decade, with new stadiums, training facilities, and academies being built to help develop young talent. The future of Senegal football looks bright, with a crop of young, talented players emerging from the country’s youth teams. There is also significant investment going into the sport, with local and foreign investors supporting the development of the game at all levels. As the country’s economy continues to grow, there is hope that more resources will be devoted to developing the sport, and that Senegal will continue to produce world-class footballers who can compete at the highest levels of the game.
Senegal’s success in men’s football is a result of a combination of factors, including a strong domestic league, a focus on youth development, and a commitment to creating a cohesive national team. The Senegalese team’s recent run of success is a clear indication that their hard work and dedication are paying off, and their achievements will inspire young players across the country to strive for success in the beautiful game. Senegal’s recent success is a significant milestone for African football, particularly for West Africa, which has produced some of the continent’s most successful football teams in the past. Their achievements demonstrate that with the right investment, development, and support, African football can compete with the best in the world. Looking ahead, the challenge for Senegal will be to sustain their success and continue to develop their players. With a new generation of talented players emerging, the country has the potential to dominate African football for years to come. It will be exciting to see how they perform at the U-20 World Cup and beyond.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
