Could Senegal be the dark horse of AFCON 2025?
With a blend of youth and experience, Senegal aims to secure a spot in the final and challenge Africa’s traditional powerhouses in this AFCON 2025
Senegal reaches the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals with a solid project that combines young talent and experienced players. After winning AFCON 2021 and maintaining their status as one of the most consistent teams on the continent, the Lions of Teranga aim to take center stage once again and, why not, pull off an upset against historically favored sides like Algeria, Egypt, or Nigeria.
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Led by Pape Thiaw, the Senegalese squad features a roster that blends established stars from European leagues with local prospects hungry for glory. Players like Édouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mané, if they maintain their form, can be decisive in the team's performance. Furthermore, the integration of young talents opens the door to a more dynamic and versatile style of play, capable of adapting to different opponents and match situations.
Another factor that makes the Senegalese team so appealing is their cohesion and international tournament experience. The Lions of Teranga have learned to handle the pressure of decisive stages—a key aspect in a tournament where small details often make the difference. In AFCON 2021, Senegal shone all the way to the final, achieving a 75% win rate with a solid defensive style and an efficient attack to ultimately become champions.
Their next challenge in AFCON 2025 will be against Egypt this Wednesday, January 14, at 6:00 PM (local time), at the Tanger Stadium. This clash will be fundamental in paving their path to the final.
If they manage to balance youth, talent, and experience, Senegal has the potential to emerge as the dark horse of AFCON 2025, capable of upsetting Africa's powerhouses and leaving their mark on the tournament's history.












