The Senegal women’s national football team is preparing for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), which marks their fifth participation in the tournament and their third consecutive appearance. To gear up for this significant event, the team will face Burkina Faso in two friendly matches on April 13 and 16, 2026, at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Senegal.
The friendly matches are crucial for the Lionnes du Sénégal as they aim to refine their strategies and build team cohesion ahead of the CAN. In this upcoming tournament, Senegal is placed in Group A alongside Morocco, Algeria, and Kenya, which presents a challenging path to success.
Originally scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026, the CAF has postponed the women’s CAN to July 25 – August 16, 2026. This decision was made to enhance the prize money for the winning team, reflecting a growing commitment to women’s football across the continent.
Key player Mendy expressed the challenges of competing in front of a home crowd, stating, “Les supporters marocains étaient assourdissants. Il est toujours délicat d’affronter le pays hôte dans un stade de 80 000 spectateurs.” This highlights the intense atmosphere the team will face, especially when playing against Morocco.
The Senegalese squad’s recent experiences, including their previous matches, have prepared them for the high stakes of the upcoming CAN. Mendy noted, “Ce qui s’est passé contre le Maroc a été une situation exceptionnelle pour moi, car c’était la première fois que je vivais une telle chose,” emphasizing the unique pressures of international competition.
As the team readies itself for these friendlies, observers are keen to see how they will perform against Burkina Faso, a match that will serve as a litmus test for their readiness for the Africa Cup of Nations.
With the tournament looming, the Senegal women’s team is focused on building momentum and confidence. The dual matches against Burkina Faso will be pivotal in solidifying their strategies and enhancing team dynamics.
As the countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations continues, the Lionnes du Sénégal are determined to make their mark and aim for success on the continental stage. The upcoming friendly matches will be a critical step in their journey toward achieving their goals.
