If we talk about participations in the World Cup, Senegal is not yet a regular of this great global event. Qatar will be its third participation and the second consecutive.
2002, the first World Cup of Senegal with a hyper talented generation
The Lions of Teranga qualified to the World Cup for the first time in 2002. To everyone's surprise, Senegal had created a sensation as they were seen as the "oasis" that was to serve as a source point for group opponents such as France, Denmark and Uruguay. But everything did not go as planned. With the magnificent band of El Hadji Diouf, Khalilou Fadiga, Aliou Cissé, Henri Camara or even the late Pape Bouba Diop, the soccer world had just discovered talented players sharing a boundless enthusiasm. Starting out as ''no names'', the Lions were soon seen as formidable outsiders.
The victory over France, the trigger
It is still one of the dates that marked the history of Senegal in soccer. It is true that since 1965, the country had begun to participate in international competitions. But May 31, 2002 remains one of the feats of arms of the Senegalese national team. In the opening of the World Cup held in Korea and Japan, the Lions of Teranga had beaten France, the reigning world champion with all its plethora of stars. Zidane, Barthez, Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, Didier Deschamps, Marcel Desailly all were present.
A historic moment in the Daegu stadium. 30th minute El Hadji shows his class, drops Franck Leboeuf, serves the late Bouba Diop who with a "râtelé", beats Barthez. Senegal opened the score to the general surprise. The scoreboard will not change until the final whistle. Senegal slaughters the Roosters in their first match of World Cup. A draw against Denmark (1-1), another spectacular one in front of Uruguay (3-3), Senegal qualified in the 8th final. What a performance!
Sweden later stands in the way of the Lions. Built with confidence after edging France, on June 16, 2002 an attractive Senegal team beats them after extra time (2-1). But the adventure will stop in the quarter-final against Turkey on a golden goal scored by Lihan Mausiz in the 94th minute. Despite this elimination, Senegal would write one of the most beautiful pages of the history of continental soccer in a World Cup after that of Cameroon in 1990.
2018, the big disillusionment
After 16 years of absence, Senegal returns on the world scene. With a new generation this time. Led by the very talented Sadio Mané, the Lions arrive in Russia with the ambition to do better or equal the record of quarterfinals of their predecessors. In group H with Poland, Japan and Colombia, there was plenty of room. But, against expectations, Senegal will be eliminated without being ridiculous in this competition. After a victory in the opening match against Lewandowski and company, Senegal will draw against Japan (2-2) before losing to Colombia (1-0). Four points, there were ways to pass except that Senegal will be eliminated by the rule of yellow cards. Having collected 6 against 4 for Japan, the hope of continuing the path stopped at this stage of the first round.
11 goals scored, 10 conceded in two World Cups
Pending their third World Cup appearance in Qatar (November 20-December 18), Senegal has already scored 11 goals in this competition in 8 games. However, the Lions have conceded 10 goals. Otherwise, the most prolific match of the African Champions remains the one played against Uruguay in 2002 (3-3). The late Pape Bouba Diop is still the best scorer in the history of Senegal at the World Cup with 3 goals including a double against Uruguay. While Moussa Wagué became the youngest African striker of a World Cup at 19 years and 8 months thanks to its banderilla planted against Japan (2-2), in 2018.
