WAFCON 2026: Mame Moussa Cisse steps down as Senegal women’s coach after exit

Mame Moussa Cisse has stepped down as head coach of Senegal’s women’s national team after nearly a decade in charge, following the Lionesses’ early elimination from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Cissé confirmed his decision shortly after Senegal were knocked out of the tournament’s group stage following a goalless draw against hosts Morocco on Monday, August 3.

The result ended Senegal’s hopes of advancing further in the competition and also closed the chapter on Cissé’s long tenure, which began after years of involvement with the national setup.

“The objective was not achieved,” Cissé said during his post-match press conference. “On a personal level, I take responsibility. This third consecutive AFCON was supposed to be my last.”

The coach had reportedly been considering his future for several months before making his decision public. His comments ahead of the tournament, when he described the 2026 Women’s AFCON as “special” for him during the national flag presentation ceremony, were viewed as an indication that the competition could mark his final assignment.

A decade of transformation with the Lionesses

Cissé leaves behind a significant legacy with Senegal’s women’s team after guiding the Lionesses through a period of steady progress.

He first joined the national team as an assistant coach between 2013 and 2015 before taking over as head coach, first from 2015 to 2017 and later returning for a second spell from 2019 until 2026.

During his time at the helm, Senegal established themselves as regular participants at the continental level, qualifying for three consecutive editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Lionesses reached the quarter-finals in the 2022 and 2024 tournaments but suffered heartbreaking exits on penalties against Zambia and South Africa respectively.

Senegal also reached the World Cup qualification playoffs in 2023 as they continued their push to compete among Africa’s leading women’s football nations.

Despite the progress, Cissé was unable to guide the team to the ultimate breakthrough of reaching the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Cissé calls for new leadership to break barrier

The outgoing coach believes the time is right for a new figure to take charge and help Senegal achieve the next stage of their development.

“This is the moment to leave and allow others to come in and break this glass ceiling,” he said.

Cissé acknowledged that Senegal currently have a talented squad capable of achieving more under fresh leadership.

“Today, we have a good team, we are in a good dynamic. Maybe another coach, with another vision and another experience, can lead this team towards the objectives we have set.”

Reflecting on his time in charge, the coach admitted that he had given everything to the role but accepted that a change was necessary.

“It has been 10 years that I am here. We need to hand over responsibility to someone else, to try different things. I gave everything I had, but apparently, it was not enough,” he added.

Senegal will now begin the search for a new coach as they look to build on the foundations established during Cissé’s tenure and continue their pursuit of major international success.