Our reporter
Aliou Cisse, the coach who led Senegal to their historic 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, has parted ways with the national team after the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) declined to renew his contract.
His departure brings an end to a remarkable nine-year tenure marked by significant highs and challenging setbacks.
Cisse, 48, took charge of the Senegalese national team in March 2015 and made an immediate impact, guiding the team to numerous successes, including the long-awaited AFCON triumph in February 2022.
Senegal had waited decades to claim their first-ever AFCON title, and Cisse’s leadership was pivotal in delivering that long-coveted victory.
However, despite the achievement, the FSF cited Cisse’s failure to win the 2023 AFCON and the team’s early exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as key reasons for not extending his contract.
The federation’s statement also highlighted a “regression of our national team in the FIFA rankings” and concerns about a growing “disaffection” between the national team and Senegalese fans.
Cisse’s wages had been paid by the Senegalese government, which ultimately decided not to renew his deal.
A former Senegal international player with 35 caps, Cisse was previously the assistant manager and caretaker manager before taking on the senior team full-time. He also managed Senegal’s under-23 squad.
Despite his departure, the Lions of Teranga have been in strong form in recent months. Senegal remains unbeaten in their last six games, with four wins and two draws, suggesting a solid foundation for whoever takes over from Cisse.
Their next fixture is an AFCON qualification match against Malawi on October 11.
Cisse’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Senegalese football, as the nation prepares for the next chapter with new leadership.
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