Aliou Cissé: Why Senegalese legend left Libya national team role

Senegalese tactician Aliou Cissé brought his tenure with the Libya national football team to an abrupt end, citing unfulfilled commitments and challenging working conditions as the primary reasons behind his departure.

 

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Cissé’s exit follows a period of growing frustration after the Libyan Football Federation failed to honor key promises made to him and his technical team.

Promises left unfulfilled to Aliou Cissé and staff

Among the major concerns were unpaid salaries, with the coach and his backroom staff reportedly going for extended periods without compensation despite continuing to fulfill their duties.

The Senegalese tactician had taken on the job with a clear vision to rebuild the national side and guide them towards qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

Even under difficult circumstances, Cissé remained committed to the long-term project, working to assemble a competitive squad capable of restoring Libya’s status on the continental stage.

However, behind the scenes, tensions persisted.

Several internal meetings and negotiations were held between Cissé’s camp and the federation in a bid to resolve the ongoing issues.

Despite these efforts, no concrete agreement was reached, leaving the former Senegal national football team coach with little choice but to step down.

His departure marks the end of a challenging chapter, but not a pause in his coaching journey.

Shortly after leaving Libya, Cissé quickly secured a new role, agreeing to become the head coach of the Angola national football team.

The deal, now officially signed, will see him take charge on a four-year contract as Angola looks to usher in a new era under his leadership.

Cissé has already arrived in Angola and is set to be unveiled to the media, signaling the beginning of a fresh project.

His appointment is expected to bring experience, discipline, and a winning mentality to the Palancas Negras as they aim to compete strongly in upcoming continental competitions.

For Cissé, it is both a fresh start and an opportunity to once again prove his pedigree on the African football stage.