Aliou Cisse: Angolan government supports appointment

Angola government through the Ministry of Sports have welcomed the decision by the Angolan Football Federation to appoint Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé to lead the national team.

The Senegalese legend was unveiled as the Angola national team coach, a few days after leaving a similar role with Libya. The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) unveiled the 50-year-old last Thursday when he signed a four-year contract.

 

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On Monday, Cissé, was received in Luanda, by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Rui Falcão, in a meeting that reinforced the joint commitment to the development and success of the Angola national team.

Cisse receives thumps up to lead Angola

The reception took place in an environment of cordiality and strategic alignment, with the main focus on the preparation of the national team for the upcoming competitive challenges, as well as the creation of conditions to enable the team achieve the best results in the African landscape as well as internationally.

During the meeting, the holder of the ministerial file Rui Falcão, highlighted the importance of the work carried out by Aliou Cissé, underlining the confidence of the Executive in the sports project that has now started.

“We believe in the vision and the ability of the technical team to raise Angola’s name in football,” stated Rui Falcão.

Cisse vows to rebuild Angola team

In turn, Aliou Cissé expressed satisfaction with the institutional support received, reiterating his commitment to building a competitive, disciplined team capable of meeting the expectations of the Angolans.

The meeting symbolised another step in consolidating cooperation between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the technical structure of the national team, at a time when Angola will have in just under sixty days, a FIFA date.

The head coach of Palancas Negras was accompanied by the President of the FAF, Alves Simões and vice-presidents Paulo Magueijo and Carlos Alonso ‘Kali’.

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title-winning coach hopes to inspire the hugely underachieving team that flattered to deceive at the last continental tournament held in Morocco.

For a team that draws the bulk of its players in Europe, the 2023 quarterfinalists failed to navigate their way past the 2025 AFCON group stage.

Cisse spent nine years at the helm of the Senegal national team from 2015 to 2024, reaching the 2019 AFCON final before eventually winning the title two years later. However, his reign with Libya lasted just 10 games amid reports of unpaid dues.