By Victor Kanayo
After eight years, Senegal Football Federation (SFF) and Aliou Cisse have decided to part ways.
This, according to an insider within the Federation, was as a result of recent poor results by Senegal’s senior national men’s team.
A source in Senegal told Wiw Sport that “The contract between the national coach, Aliou Cisse, and the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) will not be renewed. This is what the new authorities have decided.”
The decision, already confirmed by the SFF midday Monday, brings an end to Cisse’s tenure which saw both remarkable highs and recent lows for the Teranga Lions.
According to SFF, it had received a notification from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, refusing to renew the contract of Cisse.
Cisse’s Historic Charge
Cisse, 47, who made history in 2022 by leading Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title has faced mounting pressure in recent months.
After taking charge of Senegal in 2015, following a brief stint as caretaker manager in 2012, Cisse brought a new sense of belief to the squad.
His leadership led to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and although Senegal was eliminated in the group stage on a controversial fair-play tiebreaker, Cisse’s influence was undeniable.
Despite that setback, Cisse continued to build a strong foundation for Senegal.
In 2019, he guided the Teranga Lions to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, their first since 2002, only to be narrowly defeated by Algeria.
