Senegal coach Youssoupha Dabo close to becoming Libya head coach

Senegalese coach Youssoupha Dabo is reportedly on the verge of being appointed as Libya’s new head coach following the departure of Aliou Cissé, with only administrative formalities said to remain before the move is confirmed.

According to several Libyan media outlets, an agreement has already been reached between the Libyan Football Federation and Dabo.

The two parties have settled the main terms, leaving only the final administrative procedures before an official announcement is made.

The reported appointment would represent a natural progression for Dabo, who joined the Libyan national team coaching staff in March as Aliou Cissé’s assistant.

His familiarity with the players, technical staff and the federation’s sporting plans is believed to have played an important role in the decision.

Reports from the Arab media also suggest that financial considerations influenced the federation’s choice. According to Libyan newspaper Al Wasat, the Libyan Football Federation does not currently have the financial capacity to recruit another high-profile foreign coach following Cissé’s departure.

As a result, promoting Dabo from within the existing coaching structure is viewed as a practical solution that would allow the national team to maintain continuity while avoiding major disruption ahead of future competitions.

The Senegalese coach is also reportedly still under contract with the Libyan Football Federation, making the transition easier to complete and reducing the need for lengthy negotiations.

Dabo arrives with extensive coaching experience both at club and international level. He previously managed Senegal’s Under-20 national team and guided them to the final of the 2019 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

During his career, he has also won several regional titles while coaching clubs including Teungueth FC, Jaraaf, Azam FC in Tanzania and AS Vita Club before joining Libya’s national team setup.

If the final administrative steps are completed as expected, Dabo will become the new technical director of the Knights of the Mediterranean.

His immediate priority would then be to prepare Libya for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers while continuing the work that had already begun under Aliou Cissé before the former Senegal coach’s departure.