AFCON 2025 is upon us, the continental show piece is set to take center stage – can the one-time champions triumph this time around.
It’s undoubtedly noted that, Senegal is one of the football power houses based in the West African sub-region after having made series of appearances in the World Cup and cementing their name in the history football books after their triumph against the Pharaohs of Egypt in the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Prior to the 2025 AFCON, Senegal are poised to clutch another continental trophy which is scheduled to take place in Morocco, a country notably known in recent times as one of the best footballing nations.
This historic continental competition is set to take place in the next three days, specifically on the 21st of December, 2025.
In that vein, Senegal’s quest to regain their position as the best footballing nation on the continent of Africa is bound on the mercies of the reigning champions, Cote D’voire, after they staged an astonishing host-and-win campaign.
Idrissa Gana Gueye, a veteran midfielder and one of the players, who was integral in the last time Senegal won the AFCON had admonished his fellow teammates to show more commitments to the subject of winning the tournament.
“It’s the love and pride that the people have for us. I hope my teammates felt the same way. It reminded me of many things and made me want to start the tournament,” Gana Gueye reacted to comments from the Senegal President.
He further added that, “I am determined, and the entire staff is as well. the ‘favourite’ tag should be left to journalists and those outside the national team to discuss. As we know, the AFCON is never easy to win. Senegal has participated for many years and has only won it once – that is not for nothing.”
The 36-year-old Premier League star holds the view that, Senegal has the materials to win the tournament, “we continue to work hard and remain humble. However, we also have a great deal of confidence and the determination to win. We will give everything on the pitch, stay focused, and try to win this AFCON to bring it back to Senegal again, Insha’Allah.”
Detailed talks in the Senegal squad:
Senegal are walking into the 2025 AFCON as the 19th FIFA ranked team which further indicates the quality possessed by the team
They are regarded as one of the best teams heading into the campaign – boasting of experienced lads in the shape of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diallo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Iddrissa Gana Gueye.
Plus, a mix of young hungry players like Nicolas Jackson, Lamine Camara, Ibrahim Mbaye, Habib Diarra, and Mory Diaw.
This blend of veterans and youngsters would afford Pape Thiaw, as the head coach to find the perfect fit to head into games with the right tactics and mindset of winning.
Can Senegal win the tournament?
Senegal’s quest to walk out of the 2025 African Cup of Nations as the crowned champions of the tournament is not far from fetch however, the fact that other national teams like the host nation, Morocco, record winners of the tournament, Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia and other teams are also keen on stamping their authority in games in order to pick up the ultimate.
Meanwhile, Morocco as the host nation would rely on their home support and play with the confidence of wanting to replicate their overwhelming performance at the last FIFA World Cup.
Other national team like Nigeria would walk into games seeking to smash down opponent with their sharp attack being lead by Victor Osimhen.
These factors has the potentials of hindering Senegal’s quest to snatch the trophy back home but then again, it’s football and the most effective team wins the tournament.
