Senegal has parted ways with Aliou Cisse, the coach who led the Teranga Lions to their first Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title. Cisse, 48, had been in charge for nine and a half years. Under his leadership, Senegal won the delayed 2021 Afcon in February 2022.

Although his contract ended in August, Cisse remained in charge for Senegal’s recent 2025 Afcon qualifiers, including a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso and a 1-0 victory over Burundi. While the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) sought to renew his contract, the sports ministry, under the new government of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, opted to end his tenure just nine days before the next round of qualifiers.

In a statement, the FSF thanked Cisse for his contributions and wished him success in the future. Despite sometimes strained relations between the government and the FSF, the decision came as a surprise, especially given that Cisse had already scheduled a press conference to announce his squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Malawi.

Cisse, who earned 35 caps as a player for Senegal, took over as coach in March 2015. His leadership helped establish Senegal as Africa’s top-ranked team for over four years. The pinnacle of his tenure came when Senegal won the 2021 Afcon title, defeating Egypt on penalties. He also led the team to two Fifa World Cup appearances, in 2018 and 2022, although Senegal was eliminated in the group stage and the round of 16, respectively. Morocco overtook Senegal as Africa’s highest-ranked team in December 2022.

Senegal is currently second in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, trailing leaders Sudan by two points. The FSF has yet to announce an interim coaching team for the upcoming 2025 Afcon qualifiers against Malawi.

Cisse’s departure was prompted by a letter from Khady Diene Gaye, Senegal’s Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, declining to approve a one-year contract extension. The letter cited Senegal’s failure to meet key objectives, including reaching the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and winning the 2023 Afcon title. Additionally, concerns were raised about the team’s drop in world rankings and the potential loss of connection between the national team and the Senegalese public.

As a player, Cisse was part of Senegal’s golden generation, having captained the national team during their impressive run to the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals. That same year, he missed the decisive penalty in the Afcon final against Cameroon. He also endured personal tragedy in 2002 when 11 family members, including his sister, perished in the Joola ferry disaster. Cisse began his coaching career in 2011, working with Senegal’s Under-23 team before taking over the senior team after Alain Giresse’s departure.