In a group including World Champions France, former European Champions Denmark and last-minute qualifiers Uruguay, the Dakar Lions were 66-1 outsiders for the tournament and few gave them much of a chance.
But the African Nations Cup finalists opened the tournament by beating holders France 1-0 and they have not looked back.
At half time in the final group games they were comfortably top of the pile, having blitzed Uruguay with three well-taken goals, only to give their fans frequent cause for heart failure in the second half by throwing away their lead.
Essentially Senegal play a 4-5-1 formation, packing the midfield with strong but talented defensive-minded players and able to attack with pace through Khalilou Fadiga and El Hadji Diouf.
The defence is usually remarkably solid - the three they conceded against Uruguay was two more than they conceded in their entire World Cup qualifying campaign.
And up front is Liverpool-bound El Hadji Diouf, who nearly caused a brawl in the Uruguay game with his taunting display of trickery.
Diouf is the focal point of the team, a selfless striker with a great ability to make defenders look foolish.
For such a big personality, Diouf is prepared to create as often as score - witness Pape Bouba Diop's goal against France.
But he gets caught offside more times in one match than most forwards manage in a season.
And like many of the side, he suffers from a nasty temper - in total 17 players have been booked in Senegal's last two matches.
They also have an injury worry over right back Ferdinand Coly, who was of their best players against Uruguay before being substituted.
Alassane Ndour, a surprise starter against Uruguay and shifted out of position into central midfield, admitted that being put under pressure against the South Americans had not suited Senegal.
"We had huge problems in the second half," Ndour conceded.
"They were very physical, and did
some great things. Yes, it was a terrible second half for us."
Their rearguard looked terribly shaky trying to hold on, and were staring at elimination when Pablo Garcia fired off a fierce shot
that was heading for the net, until Lamine Diatta made a dramatic last gasp
"Lamine saved our life!" Ndour said.