In the early 2000s, fans with a keen eye on the Premier League may recall Aliou Cisse from his stints at Birmingham and Portsmouth, making 59 league appearances in four seasons.

Fast forward to AFCON 2024, where Ivory Coast and Ghana failed to secure top-two spots in their groups, while Algeria faced a shocking early exit. Amidst the struggles of some tournament favorites, defending champions Senegal have excelled under the steady leadership of manager Aliou Cisse.

With three group games played, eight goals scored, and only one conceded, Senegal remain a formidable force. Cisse’s journey, born in Senegal and developed through the academy system at Lille, had its highlights at Paris Saint-Germain in 1998.

Despite a relatively quiet club career, Cisse captained Senegal during their memorable World Cup debut in 2002, defeating defending champions France. Transitioning to management in 2015, Cisse’s impact on Senegal has been transformative.

Starting as the U23s assistant manager in 2012, he worked with future stars like Sadio Mane, Cheikhou Kouyaté, and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Cisse’s managerial prowess gained global attention during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Senegal showcased significant progress.

A year later, they reached the AFCON final, narrowly losing to Algeria. In 2021, however, Senegal triumphed in a thrilling final against Egypt, marking the pinnacle of Cisse’s nearly decade-long effort.

In AFCON 2024, Senegal stands out with exceptional football, firepower, and the guidance of a dynamic manager. If they secure victory, it would mark three finals and two victories in the last three tournaments, potentially solidifying Aliou Cisse among the greatest international managers.

As Senegal faces Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals on Monday evening, the world eagerly watches the unfolding saga of Aliou Cisse and his swashbuckling Teranga Lions.