Sadio Mané and Idrissa Gana Gueye are poised to make history in Senegalese football. The two key players are set to participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Morocco, marking their sixth appearance in this prestigious tournament. This achievement would establish a record for the most appearances by a player from the Lions of Teranga.
Historic Sixth Appearance for Senegal
This upcoming participation surpasses the previous record held by Henri Camara, who represented Senegal in five editions from 2000 to 2008. The pair’s impressive longevity demonstrates their consistent performance at the highest levels of international football.
Team Changes and Preparations
- Cheikhou Kouyaté, who has also played in the last five campaigns, will not be participating.
- Captain Kalidou Koulibaly is preparing for his fifth CAN appearance.
- Everton has announced the release date for Idrissa Gana Gueye to join the national team.
Mané and Gueye’s tenure with the national team began at the London Olympics in 2012. Since then, they have become vital players for Senegal, experiencing varying degrees of success in CAN tournaments:
CAN Performance Timeline
| Year | Performance |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Eliminated in the first round |
| 2017 | Quarter-finals |
| 2019 | Final runner-up |
| 2021 | Champions |
| 2023 | Eliminated in the Round of 16 |
The Senegalese Football Federation has high ambitions for the tournament in Morocco, which may represent the final continental campaign for these prominent players.
Club Success Reflects Their Strength
Both players have had outstanding club careers. Sadio Mané, a product of Génération Foot, has played for top clubs such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich, securing titles like the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. Idrissa Gana Gueye, who began his career at Diambars, became a French champion with Lille and went on to play for prestigious teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Everton.
As they prepare for CAN 2025, the focus remains on their legacy and the impact they can continue to have on Senegalese football.
