Aliou Cisse has been formally removed from his position as coach of the Senegalese national football team, the Teranga Lions, after more than nine years in the role. This decision was taken by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), ending Cisse’s lengthy and historic term. During his tenure, Senegal achieved groundbreaking results, such as winning the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) for the first time in 2022.
An Adventure Fraught with Success and Difficulty
After taking over as coach of the Senegalese national side in March 2015, 48-year-old Aliou Cisse quickly became a major player in African football. With his leadership, Senegal reached new heights, culminating in February 2022, when they defeated Egypt in a nail-biting penalty shootout to claim the postponed 2021 Afcon.
Cisse showed tenacity and drive throughout his time with the Teranga Lions. The squad’s success at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups was largely due to his leadership. Senegal spent over four years at the top of the African football standings under his guidance despite losing in the group stage and the round of 16, respectively. The top-ranked African squad, though, shifted from Senegal to Morocco in December 2022.
Perform Well at the Afcon and Make It to the World Cup
Cisse’s achievements extended beyond the Afcon championship. While serving as national coach, his tactical acumen and talent for inspiring his team shone through. Senegal reached the 2019 Afcon finals, where they finished as runners-up, only missing out on the trophy. Under Cisse’s direction, the squad reached the peak of African football in 2022, marking a watershed moment for the nation and solidifying his reputation as a legendary coach.
While he was in charge of the Teranga Lions, Senegal was a constant player on the international scene, making it to the FIFA World Cup twice in a row. The Senegalese national team gained recognized as one of Africa’s finest football nations despite not making it past the group stage of either the 2018 or 2022 World Cups.
The Final Chapter
No one renewed Cisse’s contract once it expired in August 2024, no matter how successful he was. He was in charge for both of the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifying matches, which were played in September. His teams beat Burundi 1-0 and tied Burkina Faso 1-1. The decision to fire the long-time coach came days before Senegal’s upcoming round of qualifications, but, under the leadership of the newly-formed sports ministry, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Noting his “good collaboration and brilliant results” and wishing him the best for the future, the FSF released a statement expressing gratitude for Cisse’s services.
The decision took many aback because the FSF and the government have had tense relations in the past, and the latter pays the coach’s wage. Many in the footballing world were taken aback by the statement’s timing, particularly because it came so close to Cisse’s projected squad announcement for the forthcoming double-header against Malawi.
The Difficulties That Caused Cisse to Leave
After receiving a letter from Senegal’s Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Khady Diene Gaye, denying the proposed one-year extension for Cisse, the decision to end Cisse’s tenure was made by the FSF. The government’s decision not to extend his contract was explained in the letter by citing numerous factors. Among these was the team’s inability to accomplish important goals set in November 2022, including as making it to the World Cup quarterfinals that year and winning the 2023 Afcon. Senegal’s decline also influenced the decision in the international rankings and the public’s perception of a lack of communication between the national squad and the people of Senegal.
In Senegal, Football’s Enduring Impression
In Senegal, Aliou Cisse will be remembered for more than just his coaching accomplishments. When he was a player, he led the Teranga Lions to a record World Cup quarterfinal appearance in 2002. Even earlier that year, under his leadership, Senegal reached the final of the 2002 Afcon, when Cameroon defeated them in a penalty shootout.
There have been high points and low points in Cisse’s career and personal life. Eleven of his relatives, including his sister, died in the Joola ferry tragedy off the Gambia coast in September 2002, causing him profound sorrow. It was a sobering reminder of how precarious life is that Cisse reflected on the fact that he frequently boarded the same ferry after this incident.
In 2011, he became a coach for the first time, joining the FSF to assist the Senegalese Under-23 squad. He guided the squad to the 2012 Olympics. After Alain Giresse left in 2015, Cisse was named head coach of the senior squad. That was the beginning of his journey to assemble a championship-caliber team that would dominate African football for years to come.
Senegal: What Comes Next?
Following Cisse’s departure, the FSF has not yet named a replacement coaching staff in preparation for the upcoming Afcon 2025 qualification match against Malawi. After four rounds of qualifying, Senegal is now in second place in their group, two points behind leaders Sudan, as they continue their journey toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
To keep its status as one of Africa’s footballing superpowers, the country will now aim to rebuild and re-strategize under new leadership. While Cisse’s time in charge came to an end, his impact on Senegalese football will live on.
In summary
Aliou Cisse had a spectacular tenure as Senegal’s head coach. He will go down in African football lore for all the good he did as a player and a coach. Despite the unexpected nature of the choice to part ways with him, his leadership, perseverance, and commitment to Senegalese football will live on. The Teranga Lions are about to embark on their next chapter, but they’re building on the solid groundwork laid by Cisse.
