Senegal has parted ways with head coach Aliou Cissé following growing dissatisfaction among fans and the Senegalese Football Federation over the team’s recent performances.
Cissé, who first took charge of the Teranga Lions in 2015 after a brief stint as interim manager in 2012, had a decorated coaching career with the national team. Before becoming head coach, he served as an assistant coach for Senegal’s U-23 side.
His tenure reached its peak in 2022 when he made history by guiding Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title at the 2021 tournament. After a heartbreaking loss in the 2019 AFCON final to Algeria, Cissé’s team redeemed themselves, winning the 2021 title with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Egypt, securing their place as the continent’s champions.
Cissé also led Senegal to two World Cup appearances, most notably at the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by England. This marked a significant improvement from the 2018 World Cup, where Senegal were knocked out in the group stage.
His achievements earned him recognition, including the prestigious title of CAF Coach of the Year in 2022, cementing his place as one of Africa’s top football tacticians. As a former player, Cissé had captained Senegal to the 2002 AFCON final, further intertwining his legacy with the national team.
However, the tide began to turn after Senegal’s early exit from the 2023 AFCON at the hands of Ivory Coast. Frustration grew among fans as the team struggled to perform consistently, laboring through their last four competitive fixtures. Despite securing 1-0 victories over Burundi and Mauritania in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, Senegal’s performances lacked fluidity. A home draw with Burkina Faso left them tied on points with the Burkinabes in their AFCON qualifying group, further amplifying the unrest.
Cissé departs with an impressive record of 64 wins, 22 draws, and 13 losses in 99 matches at the helm of the West African powerhouse. Despite the recent discontent, he leaves with his head held high, having played a pivotal role in elevating Senegalese football to new heights.
Senegal is now set to begin a new era without Cissé, with their next challenge coming in an AFCON qualifier against Malawi on October 11, 2024.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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