The Senegalese women’s national team is gearing up for the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to run from 17 March to 3 April. Since 23 February, the squad has been training intensively in Dakar under the guidance of coach Mame Moussa Cisse, who holds high hopes for the team’s performance and future ambitions.
Balancing Youth and Experience to Achieve Goals
With only weeks remaining before the tournament’s start, Cisse has outlined clear objectives for the Lionesses. He believes that the combination of youthful energy and seasoned veterans forms the team’s greatest strength. This fusion of talent and experience is central to their strategy, as the AFCON also serves as the qualification pathway for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Cisse’s goal is to lead Senegal deep into the competition.
Mame Moussa Cisse’s Vision for the Team’s Success
Highlighting the team’s selection process and unity, Cisse explained the standards set for every player chosen: talent, skill, competitiveness, high-level experience, and their ability to fit into the collective team dynamic. He emphasized how the players are now well-prepared for top-level competition across Africa and are aiming to surpass previous records.
“We have a group of young players mentored by older ones. They now know what it takes to compete at the highest level in Africa. The criteria for all selections are the same: talent, skills, competitiveness, experience at the highest level and the ability to integrate into our group. This AFCON is a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup. Our ambition is to do better than the last two and reach the semi-finals to qualify our country for the first time for a Women’s World Cup.” ? Mame Moussa Cisse, Head Coach
Significance of Reaching the Semi-Finals
Reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 AFCON would mark a historic milestone for Senegal’s women’s national team, securing their first-ever spot in a Women’s World Cup. This achievement would not only elevate the status of women’s football in Senegal but also inspire future generations of players. With a determined squad backed by a passionate coach, Senegal’s ambitions reflect a growing momentum on the continental stage.
