Aliou Cisse has officially stepped down as Senegal’s head coach after an impressive nine and a half years in charge of the Teranga Lions.
The 48-year-old tactician, who famously led Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2021, has resigned just nine days before the next round of 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Cisse’s contract with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had expired in August, but he remained in charge for Senegal’s recent qualifiers, which included a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso and a 1-0 win against Burundi.
Despite the FSF’s desire to renew his contract, the sports ministry under Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new government decided to end his tenure.
Cisse’s resignation comes as a surprise, especially since he was expected to announce his squad for the upcoming double-header against Malawi in a press conference scheduled for Friday.
READ ALSO: FIFA Bans Samuel Eto’o (See Why)
His departure marks the end of a historic era for Senegalese football, with Cisse having overseen the rise of the Teranga Lions to Africa’s top-ranked team for over four years.
The former Senegalese international, who earned 35 caps for his country as a player, took the reins in March 2015. Under his leadership, Senegal reached the final of the 2019 AFCON, only to lose, but they redeemed themselves by winning the 2021 edition, triumphing on penalties against Egypt.
Despite the triumph, Senegal’s defense of their AFCON title earlier this year was cut short in the last 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Ivory Coast, who went on to win the tournament.
Cisse’s contributions to Senegalese football are undeniable, and his departure leaves a significant void as the country prepares for the next stage of AFCON qualifiers.