By 9jaeye 
Aliou Cissé, the celebrated coach who led Senegal to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 2022 and two consecutive World Cup tournaments, has officially lost his position as head coach. On October 2, 2024, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced they would not renew Cissé’s contract, following a request from the country’s sports ministry. His removal comes amidst growing pressure after a series of inconsistent performances and unmet objectives.
Reasons Behind Cissé’s Dismissal
Aliou Cissé, who had been at the helm for almost a decade, brought Senegal significant achievements, including their AFCON win and a strong showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the national team’s unexpected exit in the round of 16 at the 2023 AFCON, coupled with a decline in FIFA rankings, created unrest within the federation and among Senegalese fans. Despite Senegal’s recent unbeaten streak in AFCON 2025 qualifiers, the FSF pointed to the need for a new direction to sustain Senegal’s top-tier status in African football(Devdiscourse)(Peoples Gazette Nigeria).
Cissé’s Legacy and Next Steps for Senegal
Cissé’s leadership transformed Senegal into one of Africa’s elite football teams, particularly with their dramatic 2022 AFCON win against Egypt. Yet, the FSF, while expressing gratitude for his contributions, has made it clear that the focus is now on the future. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) will appoint an interim technical team to manage the squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Senegal will face Malawi on October 11, 2024, while the federation searches for a permanent coach to continue building on Cissé’s legacy.(Nation).
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