AFCON, AFCON U20 and AFCON U17, an early end to Senegal's reign

Senegal, the dominant force in African football in recent years, saw its reign abruptly challenged in the latest editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. Champions of the 2021 AFCON, as well as the 2023 AFCON U20 and U17, the nation suffered early exits in 2023 and 2025 across all these categories.

Senior team: Unseated champions sent packing

Crowned at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, Senegal arrived in Côte d’Ivoire in January 2024 determined to defend their crown. However, despite a commanding group stage, the Lions of Teranga crashed out in the round of 16 at the 2023 AFCON, falling to the host nation, who were spurred on by a raucous home crowd. It was a shock elimination that stunned pundits and fans alike, as Aliou Cissé’s squad had seemed well-equipped for a deep run. This setback underlined that being favorites offers no guarantee in an AFCON that grows more fiercely contested year after year.

U20 team: Next generation fails to confirm potential

The triumphant squad from the 2023 AFCON U20 could not repeat their feat in 2025. Having qualified impressively for the final tournament, Senegal bowed out in the quarterfinals of the 2025 AFCON U20 on Monday, May 12, losing to seven-time champions Nigeria. In an intense duel that lasted 120 minutes, the teams could only be separated by a penalty shootout. The Young Lions fell 3-1 to the Flying Eagles, paying a heavy price for their lack of attacking efficiency and a sometimes shaky defense.

It’s important to note that the 2025 squad is a completely new team. The standout talents from the 2023 edition, such as Lamine Camara, Pape Diop, Papa Amadou Diallo and others, left for Europe after the tournament in Egypt. The 2025 Senegalese group, less solid, managed a draw, a loss, and a win in the group stage—not the most reassuring performance for defending champions.

U17 team: Early exit for the Young Lions

The disappointment didn’t spare the youngest squad. Reigning U17 African champions, the Young Lions also exited the 2025 AFCON U17 in Morocco at the quarter-final stage, beaten by Ivory Coast on penalties (0-0, 5-3 on pens). Despite an impressive group stage (7 points), the side couldn’t raise their game when it mattered most. Even with some promising individual talents, the group failed to gel as a team.

Local team: CHAN, the last hope to salvage pride

After these successive setbacks, only the African Nations Championship (CHAN) remains for Senegal to salvage something from a disappointing continental season. The local Senegalese side will compete in CHAN 2024 from August 2 to 30, 2025. The Lions are drawn in Group D alongside Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, and Nigeria. A strong run at CHAN could restore confidence and reignite the positive momentum that had seemed to define Senegalese football in recent years.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.