Senegal women’s national team head coach Mame Moussa Cissé has set his sights on a landmark achievement at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations—guiding the Lionesses to the semi-finals for the first time in the team’s history.
Following a challenging group-stage campaign that saw Senegal finish third in Group A behind Morocco and Zambia, the West African side has secured a spot in the quarter-finals for a second successive tournament.
Despite recording just one win and two defeats, the Lionesses advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks in part to Botswana’s 2-1 victory over Tunisia.
Speaking to the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Cissé expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to make history. “Our aim is to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time—it’s an ambition within our reach,” he said. “We’ll give ourselves the means to succeed and prepare thoroughly for whichever opponent we face.”
Senegal’s path to the last eight has been anything but straightforward. A solitary win, coupled with two losses, left the Lionesses needing outside results to progress.
Botswana’s crucial win over Tunisia provided that lifeline, confirming Senegal’s place in the knockout rounds.
They now face the daunting task of taking on either reigning champions South Africa or a determined Mali side. The quarter-final fixture is scheduled for Saturday, 19 July, at 19:00 GMT in Oujda, Morocco.
Cissé insists that his team is ready for the challenge, regardless of who they face next. “We’re not choosing our opponent—whoever it is, we’ll be ready,” he stated. “It’s a new competition from here on out, and we’ll approach it with complete focus.”
The Senegalese coach emphasised that both potential quarter-final opponents are well-known to his staff and players. He noted that preparations are already underway to analyse and counter their threats.
“We’re familiar with South Africa and Mali,” Cissé explained. “We’ll study them closely and work strategically. At the same time, we must concentrate on our own strengths and address the shortcomings that emerged during the group stage.”
Cissé praised his players for showing resilience and determination in difficult circumstances. He pointed to the team’s progress—qualifying for the quarter-finals in back-to-back editions of the Women’s AFCON—as a sign of growing consistency and maturity within the squad.
“Reaching the quarter-finals again is a significant milestone,” he said. “Now we want to go one step further. We know what we are capable of, and we are motivated to deliver a performance that will make Senegal proud.”
The Lionesses will be hoping to write a new chapter in their footballing journey by securing a place among the continent’s elite. For Cissé and his team, the message is clear: focus, belief, and preparation are key to realising that goal.
