Senegal’s football authorities have committed more than 300 million CFA francs to support the national women’s team, the Lionesses, in their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, according to Amadou Kane, fifth vice-president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).
Speaking at a flag handover ceremony held at the Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium this Tuesday, Kane confirmed that the funding covers all aspects of the team’s preparation under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports.
“I can state without reservation that all arrangements have been made. Nearly 300 million CFA francs have been allocated for the preparation of the national women’s team,” he declared, underlining the ambition to ensure top-level support in both logistical and technical terms.
Strategic Investment for Tournament Readiness
The substantial financial backing is designed to strengthen the Lionesses’ competitive edge in the upcoming tournament, which kicks off with a Group A opener against DR Congo on 6 July in Casablanca, Morocco.
Kane detailed the stages covered by this investment:
- Domestic training camps in Dakar – Intensive sessions held at home to boost fitness, tactical understanding, and team cohesion.
- International camp in Algeria – Purposefully chosen to expose players to varied playing conditions and reinforce psychological resilience.
- Warm-up fixtures in Morocco – Competitive matches that allow the coaching staff to fine-tune tactics and assess squad balance before the tournament begins.
Such meticulous preparation reflects the FSF’s commitment to sustaining the recent rise in Senegalese women’s football. Kane also praised the dedication of players and staff, highlighting the role of professional conduct and recruitment in maintaining progress and ambition within the programme.
Building Momentum in Women’s Football
Senegal’s investment underscores a broader strategy: to use the momentum of women’s football’s popularity and infrastructure growth to mount a serious challenge at continental level.
While the Lionesses captured attention in previous editions—most notably during the 2022 quarter-finals—the focus now is on surpassing that achievement with bold ambitions.
Kane emphasised the significance of both material and psychological preparation. “We are working to put the team in the best possible conditions, both logistically and technically,” he noted, emphasising a holistic support system that includes nutrition, physiotherapy, video analysis, and mental resilience training.
Such resources are becoming increasingly common among top-tier women’s teams, and Senegal aims to match leading African nations in these areas.
Leadership Crews and Player Optimism
The ceremony also featured members of the technical team, including head coach Mame Moussa Cissé, who expressed appreciation for the FSF’s backing.
He highlighted that the comprehensive preparation strategy allows the team to focus fully on performance. “We have worked under ideal conditions, which gives the players confidence heading into the tournament,” commented Cissé.
Key players such as midfielder Diakhaté and striker Diop echoed this sentiment. Their voices reflected both enthusiasm and confidence. Diakhaté observed, “We feel ready.
The training camps, international exposure — everything has been aligned to help us shine.” Meanwhile, Diop added, “We have the backing we need. Now, it’s about translating that into results on the pitch.”
Path to Group Success and Beyond
Senegal have been drawn in Group A alongside DR Congo, Zambia, and hosts Morocco. Given the tournament structure, a strong performance in the group phase is vital to secure passage to later rounds.
With financial support now confirmed, the FSF expects a campaign that extends beyond the group stage and into the knockout rounds.
Amadou Kane concluded the ceremony by highlighting the importance of national unity and public support. “This is not just about football.
It’s about national pride, female empowerment, and the aspiration to show that Senegalese women can compete with the best in Africa. I call on everyone to back the team—through messages, attendance, and belief.”
A Turning Point for Senegalese Women’s Football
Senegal’s FCFA 300 million investment in the Lionesses marks a turning point. It establishes new standards for preparation in the women’s game, prioritises player welfare, and aims to place the team among Africa’s elite.
With their opening match against DR Congo set for 6 July, the Lionesses embark on a journey that combines talent, ambition, and now significant support behind them.
Now, all eyes will be on how this funding translates into performance on the pitch—and whether Senegal can convert ambition into achievement at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
