The Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has officially confirmed the appointment of Aliou Cissé as the new head coach of the national team.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, March 11, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Libyan football under the guidance of the highly respected Senegalese coach.
Cissé, who led Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory in 2022, has signed a contract that will keep him in charge of the Knights of the Mediterranean until 2027.
He will be formally presented at a press conference in Tripoli on March 13.
A historic appointment
With this move, Cissé becomes the first Senegalese coach to take charge of a foreign national team, further solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s most accomplished football managers.
The 48-year-old tactician gained international recognition for transforming Senegal into a formidable force on the global stage.
Appointed as Senegal’s head coach in 2015, he guided the Teranga Lions to two consecutive AFCON finals, clinching the nation’s first-ever title in 2022.
Under his leadership, Senegal also qualified for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar.
A new challenge in North Africa
Cissé now embarks on a fresh challenge, tasked with reviving Libya’s national team, which has struggled to make a significant impact on the African and international stage in recent years.
The Knights of the Mediterranean have only qualified for AFCON three times, with their best performance being a semi-final appearance in 1982.
The new coach will be expected to bring his tactical discipline and leadership qualities to a squad seeking stability and long-term success.
His primary objectives will be qualifying for AFCON 2025 and guiding Libya through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will compete in a tough group featuring Cameroon, Angola, and Cape Verde.
Libya’s Football ambitions
The Libyan Football Federation is optimistic that Cissé’s appointment will bring much-needed structure and competitiveness to the team.
Despite political instability affecting the development of football in the country, Libya has shown glimpses of promise, including their African Nations Championship (CHAN) triumph in 2014.
With Cissé at the helm, the LFF hopes to build a team capable of competing with Africa’s elite, leveraging the coach’s experience in managing high-profile players and his ability to instill discipline and winning mentality.
What lies ahead?
Cissé’s tenure will begin with a series of crucial fixtures, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON preparation matches.
His first official match as Libya’s head coach is expected to take place in the coming months, providing an early opportunity to assess the squad and implement his philosophy.
As he embarks on this historic journey, all eyes will be on whether Aliou Cissé can replicate his success with Senegal and inspire a footballing revolution in Libya.
