Drawn into a fiercely competitive group featuring Morocco, Zambia, and DR Congo, Senegal’s Lionesses entered the 2025 African Women’s Championship with determination and cautious optimism.
Ranked 81st in FIFA’s global standings as of June, they were outsiders, but recent progress suggested they could defy expectations once again.
Their tournament began with an emphatic 4-0 win over DR Congo, a display that highlighted their athletic dominance and attacking precision.
That result propelled them to the top of Group A and seemed to validate the squad’s ambitions of surpassing their quarter-final finish in 2022. Nguénar Ndiaye’s inspired play up front and the team’s high press signaled a bold statement of intent.
But reality quickly intervened.
Against Zambia, a side known for its blistering transitions, Senegal fell 3-2, despite a brace from Ndiaye.
The match exposed defensive vulnerabilities that would haunt them again in their final group game.
Facing hosts Morocco, the Lionesses managed to hold firm for a half before a critical turnover allowed a single goal that sealed their second consecutive defeat.
Despite the back-to-back losses, Senegal’s quarter-final dream was not dead.
Their fate hinged on the result of Botswana versus Tunisia. In a dramatic twist, Botswana triumphed 2-1, allowing Senegal to qualify on goal difference. It was a nervy, unexpected passage—secured not on their own turf, but thanks to a result elsewhere.
This dramatic escape underscores the razor-thin margins in modern women’s football, particularly on the African continent where parity between teams is growing. The Lionesses’ qualification, though unconventional, is no less earned. It also highlights the importance of resilience and awareness beyond the 90 minutes.
As they prepare for the quarter-finals, Senegal carries both lessons and scars.
Their path forward demands sharper defensive organisation and a return to clinical finishing. Leadership from players like Safietou Sagna will be crucial to restoring momentum and belief in the locker room.
Their journey is a reminder that success in tournament football often hinges not only on talent and tactics, but also on the ability to rise after setbacks. With everything still to play for, the Lionesses remain in the hunt.
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