Aliou Cisse Steps Down as Senegal Head Coach Football Team After Nine and Half Years

Aliou Cisse, aged 48, has officially stepped down as the head coach of Senegal's national football team, the Teranga Lions, after an impressive tenure spanning nine and a half years.

During his leadership, Cisse achieved a historic milestone by guiding Senegal to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in 2021.

Despite his contract ending in August, he continued to lead the team through two crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers last month, securing a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso and a 1-0 win over Burundi.

The decision to end Cisse's tenure came from the sports ministry under Bassirou Diomaye Faye's new government, despite the Senegalese Football Federation's (FSF) desire to renew his contract.

This unexpected move occurred just nine days before the next round of qualifiers, surprising many as Cisse had already planned a press conference to announce his squad for the upcoming matches against Malawi.

Cisse's journey with the Teranga Lions began in March 2015, and under his guidance, the team was established as Africa's top-ranked side for over four years. His leadership saw Senegal reach the finals of the 2019 AFCON, where they finished as runners-up, and later claim the title in 2021.

However, their attempt to defend the trophy earlier this year ended in a last 16 defeat against hosts Ivory Coast.