Cheikh Omar Tidiane Diouf, head coach of Senegal’s Aigles de la Medina, surprised fans on Thursday by stepping down from his role.
Diouf, who led the team to a domestic double and their first Women’s Champions League qualification, announced his departure shortly after the tournament.
“We worked hard for this double and achieved our goals, especially winning the Senegal Cup,” Diouf said.
“Being part of the Champions League draw was a proud moment. It took a lot of effort.”
The announcement stunned supporters, as it came just days before the new season and an away match against Casa Sports.
Known as “Pepito,” Diouf’s resignation was confirmed by the club in a social media statement.
Assistant coach Baba Sall will serve as interim coach, but the reasons behind Diouf’s exit remain unclear.
“ASC Les Aigles de la Médina announces the resignation of its head coach, Omar Cheikh Tidiane Diouf, known as Pepito, for personal reasons. The club thanks him for his dedication and states that assistant coach Baba Sall will serve as interim coach until a new head coach is appointed,” the club shared in a statement
Aigles de la Médina lost all their group games at the CAF Women’s Champions League and exited at the first round.