On paper, Senegal might be the strongest national team in Africa at the moment. A squad which boasts a strong mix of veterans and youth, and maybe most importantly, a squad with serious depth built for deep tournament runs. Senegal come in as one of the clear favorites to lift the trophy on January 18th.
Senegal eased through AFCNO 2025 qualifying, going unbeaten in 6 matches and only conceding 1 goal, making them the joint best defense in Africa.
Senegal have had to deal with some major changes on the touchline, as in 2024 the Lions of Teranga parted ways with long time head coach Aliou Cissé. When the Senegalese Football federation decided against extending Cisse’s contract in October of 2024, it meant the end of the longest tenured coach in Senegal national team history. Cissé lead Senegal for nearly 10 years, guiding them to 2 FIFA World Cups (2018 & 2022), and winning the countries first ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
In his place stepped Cisse’s former assistant coach Pape Thiaw. Thiaw had massive shoes to fill, but so far has done a more than adequate job, helping Senegal qualifying for their 3rd straight FIFA World Cup.
Senegal have been busy and successful in the recruitment of dual-national players to bolster their already talented squad. The latest additions, Mamadou Sarr and Ibrahim Mbaye, two young and very highly thought of players who were born in France, show the ambition of Senegal to become one of the powerhouse nations not just in Africa, but in world football.
Nearly 40,000 Senegal supporters saw their national team off at an open training session in Dakar before the team set off for Morocco. The anticipation is building and the hope for all of Senegal is this team reaches it’s full potential and brings home their second AFCON title.
Potential Starting XI
Coach
Pape Thiaw
The former Senegalese international represented his country at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Still very early in his coaching career, with his first head coaching job being with NIarry Tally in the Senaglese top flight just a few years ago.
Players to Watch
Sadio Mané
Age: 33
Position: LW
Caps/Goals: 119/51
Club: Al-Nassr FC (Saudi Arabia)
Perhaps the best player Senegal has ever produced. A national hero who is still the heartbeat of the team at 33. Scored the winning penalty to win Senegal’s first ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Age: 34
Position: CB
Caps/Goals: 98/2
Club: Al-Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia)
Like his compatriot Mané, Koulibaly has traded European club football for the Saudi Pro League, but has not missed a beat for his country. The captain will need to be influential if Senegal are to win their second AFCON.
Senegal Schedule
December 23, 2025 vs. Botswana – Tangier
December 27, 2025 vs. DR Congo – Tangier
December 30, 2025 vs. Benin – Tangier
Country Information
Did you know…
Senegal is home to Africa’s tallest statue. The African Renaissance Monument in the capital of Dakar stands at 52 meters high.
