The term “African’t” once mocked African teams for lacking edge. Now, Senegal crushes that label, thrashing England 3-1 to show how far the continent has come.
Back in 1990, Cameroon stunned Argentina and nearly beat England. Milla scored, but England edged past them 3-2. Still, the press mocked, dubbing them “African’t.”
That word, coined by The Sun UK, shaped a decade-long narrative: Africans play with flair, but can’t close games. They entertain, but don’t conquer. The world believed it. Africa endured it.
June 10, 2025 changed the story. Senegal controlled the match, outclassing England on their turf, at Nottingham’s City Ground.
England scored first, Kane pouncing in the 7th minute. Senegal pressed, tackled hard, and soon Sarr punished Walker’s error to level the game.
Second half, Senegal flipped the script. Diarra finished off a neat team move to take the lead. Then, Sabaly drilled the final nail in injury time. Boom! It’s 3-1.
England thought they’d equalized. Bellingham celebrated. But VAR spotted a handball. Goal chalked off. England deflated. Senegal held firm, then countered to finish the job.
ALSO READ:
- Nwaneri scores first Premier League goal in Arsenal’s thrilling win against Nottingham Forest
- The best goalkeepers in modern African football
- AFCON 2022: Salah faces Mane as Egypt, Senegal meet in final
- Senegal becomes first African side to beat England’s Three Lions following 3-1 victory
That win wasn’t random. Senegal carried a 24-match unbeaten run into the game. They were ready. Focused. Feared nothing. They came to win, and they did.
Pape Thiaw, appointed December 2024, masterminded this run. Since January 2024, no loss. His side plays with fire, discipline, and identity.
The flashback
This result clapped back at lazy stereotypes. Flair? Sure. But now, tactical shape, mental toughness, and finishing touch—Africa brings the full package.
In 1990, Cameroon came close. They led England 2-1, only to fall 3-2 in extra time. But back then, headlines mocked, calling them naïve.
It’s now 2025. This generation didn’t crumble. They closed the match. The “African’t” tag? Dead.
Senegal’s rise mirrors Africa’s climb. Nigeria’s World Cup presence, Morocco’s 2022 semi-final, Egypt’s CAF consistency—it’s all momentum. Now, England felt it firsthand.
Senegal already showed muscle in AFCON 2022, lifting the trophy. But beating England hits different. This one’s for the history books.
England, under Thomas Tuchel, looked disjointed. Their new boss hasn’t found the rhythm. Despite talent, they lacked shape and heart. Senegal exposed that.
This game didn’t just settle a score, it flipped the table. Africa doesn’t beg for respect. It demands it now, with wins that silence doubters.
The phrase “African’t” symbolized bias. This win turned it on its head. Africa CAN!
