Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations triumph has highlighted a significant shift within the national team, with only a small group of players remaining from the squad that lifted the country’s first continental title four years earlier.
The victories of 6 February 2022 in Yaoundé and 18 January 2026 in Morocco stand as defining moments in Senegalese football history.
Yet, despite the relatively short gap between the two successes, the composition of the team has changed markedly, underlining the scale of renewal that has taken place under head coach Aliou Cissé.
The breakthrough in Cameroon remains deeply symbolic. On that night in Yaoundé, Sadio Mané converted the decisive penalty against Egypt, ending decades of near-misses and heartbreak, including the lost final of 2019.
That first title was built gradually, following a cautious group stage that included a narrow win over Zimbabwe and two goalless draws against Guinea and Malawi, before Senegal grew in confidence and authority during the knockout rounds.
Four years later, the second title, secured in Morocco after the disappointment of 2023, was achieved with a squad that bore little resemblance to its predecessor.
Figures published by Le Soleil Sports show that only a limited number of players from the extended 2022 group were still present to claim the trophy in 2026, reflecting both the demands of elite football and the natural evolution of the squad.
The group of players to have won both titles now stands at just ten.
At its core are the established leaders who have remained central to Cissé’s plans.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and forward Sadio Mané continue to form the backbone of the team, providing experience and continuity at the highest level.
They are joined by Idrissa Gana Gueye and Ismaïla Sarr, players who bridge the gap between generations and have retained key roles across both triumphs.
Their presence has helped maintain a sense of identity during a period of transition.
Completing the list are players who either confirmed their importance or grew into prominence over time: Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Gueye, Abdoulaye Seck, Habib Diallo and Boulaye Dia. Together, they represent the direct link between the historic night in Yaoundé and the more recent success in Morocco.
This reduced group of “double champions” illustrates the balance Senegal have struck between continuity and renewal.
While Aliou Cissé has preserved a core of trusted figures, the transformation of the squad also reflects a broader regeneration process, ensuring that Senegal remain competitive while building on the legacy of their first continental crown.
