Solid, disciplined, and decisive, the Senegalese defense was the true foundation of the Lions' continental triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. From Édouard Mendy's crucial saves to the back line's overall rigor, the statistics confirm the central role of this sector in winning the trophy.

It's often said that titles are won first and foremost through a solid defense. This assertion rings true with Senegal's victory at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco. Throughout the tournament, the Lions' defense proved crucial in securing the trophy.

The last line of defense, Édouard Mendy, was one of the key architects of Senegal's success. The Lions' goalkeeper conceded only two goals in seven matches. The imposing keeper (1.97 m tall and weighing 95 kg) made 15 saves, the most decisive of which was Brahim Diaz's penalty stop in the dying seconds of the final.

Team captain Kalidou Koulibaly played five matches (364 minutes), boasting a 30% tackle success rate and 19 clearances, bringing his leadership and experience to the defense. Moussa Niakhaté , who started six times (570 minutes), also performed solidly with a 66% tackle success rate, 24 clearances, and a 93.4% pass completion rate.

In this defensive sector, the most impressive player is undoubtedly Krépin Diatta . The AS Monaco full-back, who played in six matches (540 minutes), had a flawless record with 100% successful tackles, 89% successful passes and 18 clearances, while also providing one assist.

Having come on as a substitute in the third match against Benin following Kalidou Koulibaly's expulsion, and again in the semi-final replacing his captain, who was forced off injured, Mamadou Sarr has more than lived up to expectations. The 21-year-old defender recorded 10 clearances, 2 crucial interceptions, and a 95.5% pass completion rate in 201 minutes played.

The only Senegalese defender to score in this AFCON, Abdoulaye Seck, played in three matches (223 minutes). The solid full-back boasted a 75% tackle success rate, an 86.4% pass completion rate, and 12 clearances.

El Hadji Malick Diouf , who played five matches, performed very well with an 88.9% tackle success rate, 80.6% pass completion rate, and 19 clearances. Ismaïla Jakobs , with 248 minutes played across three matches, completed 83.9% of his passes, 50% of his tackles, and made 13 clearances.

Finally, even though he only played one match (77 minutes), Antoine Mendy displayed a 66.7% success rate in his interventions, confirming the depth and solidity of the Senegalese defensive squad.