Latest news with #LionsofTeranga
CAF
04-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Senegal continue FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup momentum with commanding win over Tahiti
African champions Senegal continued their strong start to their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup campaign with a commanding 6-3 victory over Tahiti on Sunday at the Paradise Arena in Seychelles. Mamour Diagne and Mamadou Sylla each scored twice, while Seydina Gadiaga and Ousseynou Faye added one apiece to secure the result for the West African giants who are making their presence felt at the global showpiece. The Lions of Teranga showcased their experience and attacking depth, controlling the tempo and punishing Tahiti with clinical finishing across all three periods. Senegal's victory follows a rampant display against Spain on Friday where they easily brushed aside the Spaniards 4-1. The win puts the African champions top of Group C with two wins from two games, ahead of Chile in second, Spain in third and Tahiti at the bottom. Their final group match is against Chile on Tuesday, where a positive result could seal a quarter-final place. FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup action continues on Monday, with all African eyes set on Mauritania's third Group B match where they will be up against Paraguay with the aim of securing their first victory of the tournament.
CAF
23-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
2026 World Cup qualifiers: Sudan hold Senegal in goalless thriller to stay top of Group B
Published: Saturday, 22 March 2025 Sudan's remarkable run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers continued on Saturday evening as they held tournament favourites Senegal to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Benghazi, Libya. The result keeps Sudan unbeaten and top of Group B with 11 points from five matches—two clear of Senegal and one ahead of DR Congo, who are second in the group. For the Lions of Teranga, the draw adds further pressure ahead of their clash with Togo on Tuesday. Despite their superior experience and firepower, Senegal struggled to break down a disciplined and resilient Sudanese side that has become the group's surprise package. The 2021 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations champions nearly made a perfect start when a mistake from Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa in the opening minute gifted an opportunity, only for him to recover in time. The Lions dominated possession throughout, but Sudan looked the more dangerous on the counter. The best chance of the first half arguably fell to Sudan, as a forward skipped past Edouard Mendy in the 20th minute but fired wide with the goal gaping. At the other end, Senegal wasted a one-on-one opportunity and missed another close-range chance just before the break. Sudan came out with renewed confidence in the second half. Just three minutes after the restart, Mendy was called into action again—parrying a long-range effort before smothering the rebound under pressure. Sudan's penalty appeals were waved away after their attacker went down in the box following the follow-up. Senegal's golden moment came in the 54th minute when Sadio Mané acrobatically connected with a loose ball in the box, only to send his overhead kick over the bar with the Sudanese keeper beaten. Walieldin Khidir missed a glorious chance to win it for Sudan in the 76th minute, scuffing wide from inside the area. Mané again threatened at the other end four minutes later, but his shot was cleared off the line. Despite late pressure, neither side could find a winner, and the spoils were shared in a pulsating encounter that showcased Sudan's tactical discipline and Senegal's growing frustration. With this result, Sudan continue to dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance, while Senegal face an uphill battle to reclaim the group's top spot. The next round of fixtures on Tuesday could prove decisive.
CAF
29-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
"We will fight for the title" - Thiaw sets ambitious goal for Senegal
Published: Wednesday, 29 January 2025 Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has set high ambitions for his team ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco. Speaking after the tournament draw in Rabat on Monday night, Thiaw acknowledged the challenges ahead but exuded confidence in the Lions of Teranga's ability to compete for their second continental title. 'It will not be easy at all. These are all teams that have proven themselves,' Thiaw remarked, emphasizing the heightened competitiveness of African football. 'There are no more small teams in Africa, but we are Senegal, and we will do everything to be there.' Senegal, seeded in Group D, will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, and Botswana. The group presents a mix of familiar foes and unknown challenges. The DR Congo, semi-finalists at the 2024 AFCON, represent a formidable opponent, while Benin and Botswana bring their own unique threats. For Thiaw, every match in the group stage will require focus and preparation. 'We know the strengths of DR Congo and Benin, but we must not underestimate Botswana. Our aim is clear—to win every game and progress as far as possible.' Buoyed by recent successes, including their 2023 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) victory with the local Lions, Senegal has shown consistency on the continental stage. Ranked second in Africa and 17th in the world, the Lions of Teranga enter the tournament as one of the favorites. 'When you are ranked second in Africa and 17th in the world, you must always aim for the Grail in every competition,' Thiaw stated. 'Our goal is to clinch our second AFCON title, and we will fight to make it happen.' As Senegal prepares for the tournament, Thiaw's message to the players and fans is clear: determination and hard work will be the keys to success. 'We have shown what we are capable of, and we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of victory,' he said. Senegal's first AFCON triumph came in 2021 when they defeated Egypt in a tense final in Cameroon. Since then, the team has maintained its reputation as one of Africa's powerhouses. Led by experienced players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mané, Senegal boasts a balanced mix of youth and experience. Thiaw's tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team will be crucial as Senegal aims to overcome their group-stage opponents and push deep into the tournament.
CAF
28-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aliou Cissé confident in Senegal's chances despite tough draw
Senegal's former coach, Aliou Cissé, has sounded a warning to the opponents of the Lions of Teranga in Group D of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. Drawn alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Benin, and Botswana, Senegal is determined to prove their dominance and erase the disappointment of their early exit in 2023. 'A difficult group, since two of these teams, we know them. For a long time, we have been playing against them,' said Cissé, who led Senegal to their first AFCON title in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2021. 'The advantage is that we know them, and the disadvantage is that they know us too. But I have no doubt that Senegal can get through.' The group-stage showdown between Senegal and the DR Congo is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament. The two sides have a rich footballing history and are both eager to establish psychological supremacy before their crucial World Cup qualifier just months later. 'This match will be explosive,' Cissé who was one of the draw assistants remarked. 'The Lions of Teranga have experience and depth, but the Leopards bring youthful energy and technique. This duel promises to be closely contested and could well be decided by very little.' Senegal's formidable defence, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, will face off against the DRC's attacking talents, including the dynamic Yoane Wissa. The group also features Benin, a team with World Cup ambitions, and Botswana, making only their second AFCON appearance after debuting in 2012. After their unexpected round-of-16 exit to Côte d'Ivoire in 2023, Senegal enters this tournament with renewed focus under new coach Pape Thiaw. The Lions dominated the group stage in the last edition but faltered when it mattered most, a pattern they are determined to break in Morocco. 'The last tournament was a learning experience,' said Cissé. 'Now it's about building on that and using our experience to regain the trophy.' The draw in Rabat revealed challenges for many of Africa's footballing heavyweights. Reigning champions Côte d'Ivoire face a daunting Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique, while hosts Morocco will navigate Group A against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group B rekindles the historic rivalry between Egypt and South Africa, alongside Angola and Zimbabwe, while Algeria headlines Group E with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six Moroccan cities. The 24-team tournament features six groups, with the top two teams and four best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage.
CAF
27-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Aliou Cissé: "The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations requires special preparation"
From a losing finalist in 2002 to a victorious strategist at the 2021 edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Aliou Cissé's story with Africa's most prestigious competition is a true tale of perseverance and success. In this interview, the former Senegal captain and coach shares his unreserved view of this key event and analyses the ambitions of the Lions of Teranga for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco. You have been designated to attend the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025. How do you feel about this responsibility? Aliou Cissé: It's an experience that I've already had in other contexts, but which always requires special preparation. It's not our daily life as coaches or players. We are more comfortable on the pitch, but with clear instructions and rehearsals, it becomes natural. Like the players before a match, we rehearse our gestures to understand the steps we must take. Why is the draw so crucial for the competition? It's a first for me to attend a draw, because I've never been there before, neither for the AFCON nor for the World Cup. However, this exercise symbolizes the beginning of an adventure for each team, with major strategic stakes. Senegal is now one of the powers of African football. What is your analysis of them? Senegal needs no introduction. We are among the best teams on the continent, with a place in the top 20 in the world according to the FIFA ranking. This progression reflects the experience of our players, some of whom have played in four or five AFCONs, as well as two World Cups. We also have a very ambitious group of young people. Since our historic victory in 2022, the objective has been clear: to aim for the title every time we participate. The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON will be held in Morocco. How do you perceive this edition? Morocco offers modern infrastructure and a high-level organization. It will be a special TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. African football is constantly evolving, and I hope that this edition will mark a historic turning point. You have lived through over two decades of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, first as a player and then a coach. How do you see its evolution? The tournament has progressed on all levels: infrastructure, team preparation and coach training. With the increase from 16 to 24 teams, it has become even more competitive and is followed internationally. It is a celebration for all of Africa, and players are willing to leave their clubs in the middle of the season to participate. What are the key elements to win an AFCON? It takes a lot of work, patience and a bit of luck. The players have to be at the top of their game at the right time and have a competitive mentality until the end. Conditions can be demanding in Africa, but perseverance always pays off in the end. Finally, any advice for young coaches? Be ready, organized, and adaptable. African football has its particularities, and you have to know how to adjust. But it's a unique and deeply enriching experience. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, visit Further Enquiries:CAF Communications communications@
