Senegal’s Lionesses of Teranga are heading into the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations determined to transform recent progress into tangible success.
Under the guidance of head coach Mame Moussa Cissé, the team has shown promise and growing cohesion, and now aims to assert itself among the continent’s elite in Morocco.
After reaching the quarterfinals in the 2022 edition, Senegal is no longer seen as an outsider. Their qualification campaign was marked by resilience and a clear sense of direction.
Following an unconvincing win over Mozambique in the first round, the Lionesses responded emphatically in the second round, dispatching Egypt 4-0 in the first leg before securing their ticket with a goalless draw in the return match.
This marks a second consecutive qualification for the Women’s AFCON—an unprecedented achievement in Senegalese women’s football.
While the team does not feature among the traditional powerhouses, it enters the tournament with growing confidence and an ambition to do more than simply participate.
A Tactical Vision Rooted in Patience and Realism
Head coach Mame Moussa Cissé has been measured in his public declarations, but the ambition within his squad is unmistakable.
“We’re going to the AFCON with humility, but also with ambition and realism,” Cissé told local media, signalling a strategy built on gradual progression rather than immediate dominance.
His approach has yielded results. The team is disciplined, united, and increasingly followed by fans and media back home.
While Cissé has targeted qualification for the knockout stages, a semi-final appearance remains a realistic and motivating objective.
Cissé’s long-term strategy and his emphasis on building from within have also given the team a distinct identity—one that balances international experience with homegrown talent.
A Squad That Reflects Senegalese Football’s Evolution
The final squad for the 2024 tournament blends players based in Europe with those active in the domestic league. Familiar names such as Mama Diop and Ndeye Awa Diakhaté (both at Marseille), Meta Camara (Trabzonspor), and Mareme Babou (Strasbourg) bring experience and technical depth to the squad.
Yet, local football has not been overlooked. The selection includes several players from Senegalese clubs, including Sadigatou Diallo, Maty Cissokho, and Khady Faye—all of Aigles de la Médina.
The captain, Safietou Sagna of US Saint-Malo, anchors the defence with intelligence and leadership, earning a growing reputation for her tactical awareness and positioning.
This balance between local and international experience strengthens the team’s foundation and reflects a broader strategy aimed at long-term sustainability.
A Group of Challenges and Opportunities
Senegal has been drawn into a difficult group alongside hosts Morocco, Zambia’s Cooper Queens, and DR Congo, who feature several players from TP Mazembe—the reigning CAF Women’s Champions League winners.
Advancing to the quarterfinals will require tactical precision and mental toughness. Finishing in the top two or ranking among the best third-placed teams is the goal, but it will not come easily.
The Lionesses will need to maintain focus and adapt quickly in what promises to be a highly competitive group.
From Promise to Proof
The 2022 Women’s AFCON marked a turning point for Senegal. The team earned regional respect but also learned the harsh realities of top-level competition.
Since then, preparations have intensified, and performances in international friendlies and qualifying matches suggest continued growth.
Senegal’s participation in this tournament is only their third appearance at the continental level. Yet their ambitions stretch far beyond experience.
For the Lionesses of Teranga, the 2024 edition is not just about playing—it’s about proving that they belong.
A successful campaign would mark a major step in Senegal’s emergence as a force in African women’s football. It would validate years of careful planning and elevate the team from potential to prominence.
