In a surprising development, Senegal has decided to part ways with coach Aliou Cissé, who achieved historic success by leading the team to victory in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and participating in the last two World Cups.
The move was initiated by the government, with sports minister Khady Diene Gaye recommending against the renewal of Cissé’s contract, according to the local football association.
Cissé, a former national team captain and Paris Saint-Germain player, took over as head coach in 2015 and secured Senegal’s first AFCON title just two years ago.
During his tenure, the team advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2022 World Cup but faced elimination in this year’s AFCON at the same stage, falling to the hosts and eventual champions, Ivory Coast.
The Senegalese FA announced that an interim coaching staff will step in for the 48-year-old Cissé for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Malawi later this month.
Currently, Senegal is tied with Burkina Faso, each with four points from two matches in a group that also includes Burundi.
In the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Senegal remains unbeaten but trails group leaders Sudan by two points after four matches.
