Sadio Mané, the star striker for Senegal’s national football team, expressed clear frustration and disappointment following a lackluster draw against Burkina Faso in their AFCON 2025 qualifier on Friday. Amidst mounting criticism of head coach Aliou Cissé’s management, Mané’s refusal to defend the embattled coach has further fueled speculation that the team’s faith in Cissé is waning.
Senegal, once riding high after their 2021 AFCON triumph, has seen a significant dip in form this year.
The team’s unexpected exit in the round of 16 at the 2023 AFCON against Côte d’Ivoire marked the beginning of a troubling period for the Lions of Teranga.
Since then, the team has struggled to deliver convincing performances, leading to growing calls for Cissé’s departure after several years at the helm.
The recent draw against Burkina Faso only added to the discontent. Senegal, playing at home in the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, managed just a 1-1 draw in their first match of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Mané, who scored Senegal’s only goal, was visibly dissatisfied with the team’s overly defensive 3-5-2 formation—a strategy championed by Cissé.
This result followed a series of mixed performances, including a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo and a narrow 1-0 victory over Mauritania in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
As Mané left the stadium, the frustration was palpable. Despite being approached by journalists, the Al Nassr forward refused to comment on the match or the coach’s tactics.
With a stern expression, he repeated only, “I have no words,” three times before walking away.
This brief but pointed response has been interpreted as a subtle yet significant indictment of Cissé, suggesting that the coach may be losing the backing of key players within the squad.
Mané’s reaction is particularly telling given his status as one of the team’s leaders.
His refusal to defend Cissé publicly contrasts sharply with the unity and support that characterized the squad during their 2021 AFCON success.
The current disconnect raises questions about the coach’s future with the team, especially as Senegal looks ahead to the remainder of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers and beyond.
The draw against Burkina Faso has only intensified the scrutiny on Cissé.
Fans and pundits alike are questioning whether the coach, who has been a fixture in Senegalese football for years, can guide the team back to the top.
With pressure mounting, the coming matches will be crucial in determining not just Senegal’s qualification prospects, but also the fate of their long-serving coach.
As the Lions of Teranga prepare for their next challenges, all eyes will be on the dynamics within the team.
Mané’s silence may be more telling than any words he could have spoken, and it remains to be seen whether this moment will serve as a turning point for Cissé’s tenure with the Senegalese national team.
Sadio Mane🇸🇳, très agacé après le nul (1-1). Il a déjà dit que le 3-5-2 ne fonctionne pas. Mais Cissé ne veut changer. pic.twitter.com/XWYid6IeUx
— Footsen⭐ (@footsen221) September 7, 2024
