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Aliou Cisse has officially stepped down as Senegal’s head coach after an impressive nine-and-a-half-year tenure. During his time in charge, the 48-year-old led the Teranga Lions to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2021.
Cisse’s contract technically ended in August, but he remained in charge for Senegal’s recent 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Despite the Senegalese Football Federation’s (FSF) intention to renew his contract, the country’s sports ministry opted to end his tenure ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.
Cisse’s departure comes just days before he was set to announce the squad for Senegal’s double-header against Malawi, a move that has surprised many.
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Cisse, a former player with 35 caps for Senegal, has been instrumental in establishing the Teranga Lions as Africa’s top-ranked football team for over four years.
His leadership not only brought Senegal its first continental trophy but also cemented the team’s place as one of the most formidable in African football.
In spite of his achievements, including reaching the AFCON finals in 2019 and winning the title in 2021, Cisse’s last campaign ended with Senegal’s elimination in the round of 16 against hosts Ivory Coast.
His impact on Senegalese football will be long-lasting, and his departure leaves big shoes to fill for his successor.
