Aliou Cisse has stepped down from his position as Senegal head coach after nine and a half years in charge of the Teranga Lions.
Cisse, 48, led Senegal to their first continental title, winning the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in February 2022.
Although his previous contract ended in August, he remained in charge for Senegal’s two 2025 Afcon qualifiers last month, a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso and a 1-0 victory over Burundi.
The country’s football federation (FSF) wanted Cisse’s deal to be renewed but the sports ministry, under Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new government, has made the decision to end his long tenure just nine days before the next round of qualifiers.
“The FSF would like to thank Aliou Cisse for his good collaboration and his brilliant results at the head of various national selections and wishes him every success for the future,” a statement said (via BBC Sport).
While relations between the government, who pay the coach’s salary, and the FSF have not always been easy, the timing of the move is a surprise.
Cisse had already called a press conference for Friday to announce his squad for this month’s double-header against Malawi.
Cisse, who won 35 caps for Senegal as a player, took charge in March 2015 and his longevity in the role helped establish the Teranga Lions as Africa’s top-ranked side for over four years.
Their Nations Cup title, won on penalties against Egypt in Cameroon, came three years after finishing as runners-up at the 2019 edition of the finals.
However, the defence of their trophy earlier this year ended in the last 16 after a penalty shootout defeat against hosts and eventual champions Ivory Coast.
6 Comments
So he was fired, what do you mean he stepped down. Abeg CSN we sabi english
“Although his previous contract ended in August, he remained in charge for Senegal’s two 2025 Afcon qualifiers last month. The country’s football federation (FSF) wanted Cisse’s deal to be renewed but the sports ministry, under Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new government, has made the decision to end his long tenure just nine days before the next round of qualifiers. ”
He wasnt fired. His contract was expiring, they decide not to renew it.
@shuma, other media outlet stated that he was fired because of the poor performance of the tereanga lions lately. They probably allowed him stay for the extra 2 games if their would be any improvement. He will still come back at some point
@shuma, other media outlet stated that he was fired because of the poor performance of the tereanga lions lately. They probably allowed him stay for the extra 2 games if their would be any improvement. He will still come back at some point
Let our NFF go for this coach his the best in Africa if his employed as super eagles coach the national team will be a formidable team in Africa like the way the coach did with the Senegalese team.
Will NFF know the difference between a star performer and a mediocre one? This is a solid coach.