After nine years at the head of the Senegal national team, Aliou Cissé was not extended by the Ministry of Sports. The president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Augustin Senghor, paid tribute to the coach, highlighting his historic achievements. Cissé leaves an indelible mark on Senegalese football.
This decision not to renew the coach’s contract marks the end of an era for the man who led the Lions to their first continental title. During a trophy presentation ceremony, the president of the FSF paid tribute to the exceptional career of Aliou Cissé. “It was an opportunity to pay a vibrant tribute to coach Aliou Cissé who has just left us in the conditions that you know. We have taken note of the decision of the authority that we are not continuing the adventure with him”he declared. He then recalled the importance of this tribute, paid at a time when the team’s next matches are a priority.
The president also looked back on Cissé’s career, both as a player and a coach, marked by historic moments. “Aliou Cissé with his country and with his football had a fabulous destiny […] to be able to shine as a player with a national team for years in 2001, 2002 with an African Cup final, a World Cup quarter-final and come back 20 years later to win the first continental trophy the CAN for a country, it’s is huge »he stressed. For him, nothing can erase this contribution.
Finally, the leader insisted on the lasting impact of Aliou Cissé on Senegalese football. “Even if he is no longer a coach, no one can erase his name from Senegalese football and the history of Senegalese football”he said. He concluded by welcoming the awakening of the Senegalese champion during the Cissé era, which made it possible to put an end to decades of scarcity despite the undeniable talent of the country’s players.
