Aliou Cissé’s tenure as head coach of the Senegal national football team appears to be nearing its end. Reports indicate that the Ministry of Sports has approved his departure, although the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has yet to make an official announcement regarding the situation.
According to sources from IGFM, the Ministry of Sports is said to have sanctioned the decision for Cissé to leave his post.
This has reportedly led the Ministry to disregard the Senegalese Federation’s request to extend his contract, a move that reflects the growing disenchantment between Cissé and the footballing public since the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.
The Senegalese Football Federation has chosen to maintain silence on the state’s decision, preferring not to disclose it publicly.
This strategy seems aimed at extending Cissé’s term until the upcoming AFCON 2025, even though negotiations for his contract renewal may be complicated.
The ongoing dissatisfaction among fans, highlighted by Cissé’s reception during the recent home match against DR Congo, where he was booed, has further complicated his position.
The match ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.
Potential Successors Under Consideration
With Cissé’s potential exit now more likely, the FSF is reportedly contemplating possible successors.
The Federation typically selects the national coach before presenting the decision to the government, and it is said that they are already considering Pape Thiaw, who currently serves as Cissé’s assistant.
If negotiations fail to renew Cissé’s contract, which is set to expire on August 31, 2024, Thiaw could be the leading candidate for the role.
Additionally, other names have emerged in discussions regarding Cissé’s replacement. Habib Bèye and Oumar Daf are also being mentioned as potential successors should the need arise.
Each candidate brings their own unique qualifications and experiences that could benefit the national team.
Upcoming Challenges for Senegal
As the national team prepares for its next challenges, the Lions of Senegal are set to face Malawi in a doubleheader.
The squad list for these crucial encounters will be unveiled on Friday, ahead of the matches scheduled for October 11 and 15, 2024, as part of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
The upcoming fixtures are vital for Senegal, especially as they look to secure their place in the tournament.
In this time of transition and uncertainty, the focus will be on how the Senegalese football community responds to the changes at the helm.
The next steps will not only define the future of Aliou Cissé but also shape the trajectory of Senegalese football in the coming years.
As supporters await official communication from the FSF, the potential for a new era in Senegalese football looms on the horizon.
