Senegal’s national team is facing increasing discontent from fans, following a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in their opening match of the CAN 2025 qualifiers. The result, coming in front of a notably sparse crowd at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, has exacerbated a deepening rift between the Senegalese public and head coach Aliou Cissé, casting a shadow over the team that once united the nation.
In recent months, a sense of disenchantment has grown around the Lions of Teranga, despite their status as reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions.
The performances on the pitch have been solid, yet far from thrilling, and many are directing their frustration at the man who once led Senegal to the pinnacle of African football—Aliou Cissé.
Cissé’s leadership was once seen as an antidote to the team’s previous woes, having restored national pride by leading Senegal to the 2019 AFCON final, securing their first continental title in 2022, and guiding them to consecutive World Cup appearances.
However, his once-celebrated pragmatism is now viewed by some as a hindrance to the team’s evolution.
The fans, hungry for more dynamic and fluid football, have grown weary of a style that, while effective, lacks the excitement and connection they crave.
Senegal’s squad boasts a wealth of world-class talent.
With names like Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and rising stars like Pape Matar Sarr and Nicolas Jackson, expectations are high.
Yet, the match against Burkina Faso highlighted a key issue that has plagued Cissé’s tenure: the team’s lack of cohesion and fluidity on the pitch.
Despite the presence of these global stars, Senegal’s play remains stilted, failing to captivate fans who once rallied behind their team with unwavering support.
Kalidou Koulibaly acknowledged the disappointment, echoing the sentiments of the supporters.
“The fans are disappointed,” the captain admitted. “We understand their frustration.
We know they expect more, especially when we play at home. But we are committed to improving and delivering better performances.”
A growing point of contention among fans is Cissé’s unwavering loyalty to certain players.
The coach’s emphasis on “group logic,” where players are repeatedly selected despite lackluster club performances, has drawn criticism.
Ismaïla Sarr, for instance, continues to feature in the starting lineup, despite inconsistent displays at the club level, and Sadio Mané often plays the full 90 minutes, even when alternatives are available on a bench packed with talent.
This rigid adherence to familiar faces has raised questions about Cissé’s tactical flexibility and his ability to adapt the squad to the demands of each match.
While there is no denying Cissé’s success—he has lifted Senegal from the trauma of past AFCON failures and World Cup disappointments—there is a growing sentiment that his approach may have run its course.
The draw against Burkina Faso only fueled this narrative, as fans left the stadium feeling disconnected from a team that once brought them so much pride.
It is clear that Cissé’s methods have delivered results, but football is not solely about winning—it is also about inspiring a nation, igniting passion, and creating moments of magic that stay with supporters long after the final whistle.
For now, Senegal’s national team is missing that spark, and it is a void that the fans can no longer ignore.
As Cissé’s tenure progresses, questions will continue to swirl about whether he can reignite the connection with Senegalese fans.
While results on the pitch may eventually improve, the growing dissatisfaction with the style of play suggests that it will take more than victories to restore the love that once bound the team and its supporters together.
The atmosphere at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, marked by dwindling attendance and even whistles of disapproval, serves as a stark reminder that success alone is no longer enough.
🇸🇳🇧🇫 Sénégal vs Burkina ce vendredi 19h Gmt : Irez-vous au Stade Abdoulaye Wade ?
Si non, pourquoi ❓#wiwsport pic.twitter.com/BSxkFnlJ5f— wiwsport (@wiwsport) September 6, 2024
