Senegal plays its first qualifying match for CAN 2025 without Aliou Cissé

Senegal, the reigning champion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has started its qualifications for the 2025 AFCON without its iconic coach, Aliou Cissé, for the first time in several years. This absence marks a turning point for the Lions of Teranga, who are starting a new stage of their football journey with many hopes, but also uncertainties.

The absence of Aliou Cissé: a page that turns

Aliou Cissé, an iconic figure in Senegalese football, has led the Lions of Teranga since 2015 , notably leading them to the historic victory at the 2021 AFCON . As the first coach to have led Senegal to win the continental trophy, his absence for this first qualifying match for the 2025 AFCON has aroused a lot of emotion. Although his departure is not definitive, his absence at this crucial moment was seen as the beginning of a new era for Senegalese football.

The reasons for his absence were not immediately clear, but some observers believe it could be a strategy to prepare for a smooth transition, allowing the team to adapt to new leadership in the long term. Others suggest personal or professional reasons that have pushed Cisse to step back, but either way, it presents a challenge for the players and coaching staff, who will have to maintain the momentum without the presence of the man who has been at the helm of Senegalese football's revival.

A match under high pressure

Without Aliou Cisse, the Lions of Teranga faced added pressure in their first qualifier. As defending champions, expectations are high, and any missteps could be amplified by the absence of their regular coach. The Senegalese team, rich in talent and international stars, is considered one of the best in Africa, and qualification for the 2025 AFCON is a must-have.

The match, although played without Cissé on the bench, highlighted the depth of the Senegalese squad, capable of recovering even in the absence of its leader. The players, led by an interim technical staff, were able to maintain their concentration despite the circumstances, reflecting the champion mentality that allowed them to win the CAN in 2021.

A promising future despite uncertainty

Aliou Cisse’s absence raises questions about the future of the Senegalese team. Based on the quality of the players and their experience, the team is well positioned to succeed in their qualifying campaign, even without the constant presence of their coach. However, the question remains whether this prolonged absence will affect the group dynamic in the long term, or whether it will allow new leaders to emerge within the team.

Fans, for their part, are divided. Some are concerned about the potential impact of this absence on future performances, while others believe that the Senegalese team has reached a sufficient level of maturity to overcome this transition without a hitch. The challenge for the team will be to maintain this level of performance, while adapting its strategies to the realities of modern African football, where competition is increasingly fierce.

Senegal heading for another victory at the CAN?

With or without Aliou Cisse, Senegal remain one of the big favourites for the 2025 AFCON . The Lions of Teranga have built a reputation as a dominant force on the continent, and this qualifier without their head coach could well be a revealing test of their ability to renew themselves and adapt to change.

However, Cisse's absence for this match, while not definitive, could also indicate that tactical adjustments are needed to allow the team to remain competitive. Senegal's success in 2025 will depend not only on talent on the pitch, but also on management off the pitch, where the question of leadership and continuity will be crucial.