Youssoupha Dabo appointed new Libya head coach on one-year deal

Senegalese tactician Youssoupha Dabo has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Libyan national team after signing a one-year contract with the Libyan Football Federation.

Dabo takes over from fellow Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé, whose tenure came to an abrupt end earlier this year despite having signed a two-year contract following his appointment in 2025.

The 46-year-old is no stranger to the Mediterranean Knights setup, having previously served as Cissé’s assistant during his time with the national team. His promotion to the top job is expected to provide continuity as Libya looks to rebuild following a turbulent period.

Dabo’s appointment comes in the wake of the high-profile departure of Cissé, who left his position after enduring several months without receiving his salary. The dispute eventually escalated to FIFA after the former Senegal coach sought intervention over the unpaid wages.

The world football governing body subsequently ruled in Cissé’s favour, ordering the Libyan Football Federation to pay the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach €820,000 in compensation for breach of contract, as revealed by AfricaSoccer.com.

The compensation ruling has placed further scrutiny on the Libyan Football Federation’s administrative and financial management, with the federation now turning to Dabo in a bid to stabilise the national team and refocus on its sporting objectives.

Having already worked closely with the squad, Dabo is expected to hit the ground running as he begins his tenure. His familiarity with the players and the national team environment could prove valuable as Libya prepares for upcoming international assignments and seeks to improve its competitiveness on the continental stage.

The appointment also marks Dabo’s first spell as a senior national team head coach, presenting the Senegalese manager with an opportunity to build on his coaching experience and lead Libya into a new chapter.