By Boris Esono
Football Writer, Kick442.com-Cameroon
- With this deal, Cissé will become the second-highest-paid coach in African football
- The former Senegal coach is tasked with guiding Libya to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
- Cissé will debut in next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Angola and Cameroon
Former Senegal Coach Aliou Cissé has officially agreed to become the new head coach of Libya’s national team, the Mediterranean Knights, in a deal that could reshape the country’s footballing ambitions. After days of negotiations, both parties finalized a two-year contract, with an option for an extension.
Beyond his role with the senior squad, Cissé according to reports will also oversee Libya’s U23 and U20 selections, establishing a long-term development strategy similar to that of a technical director. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring structure and stability to Libyan football, fostering a competitive pipeline of young talent for the national team.
As part of his mandate, the 47-year-old tactician is tasked with guiding Libya to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Additionally, he is expected to lead the team to at least the semi-finals of the 2027 AFCON.
Cissé’s appointment comes at a crucial moment for Libyan football. The Mediterranean Knights are currently in a strong position in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sitting second with seven points, level with Cape Verde and just one point behind Cameroon.
Cissé’s first task as head coach will be to lead Libya in two pivotal fixtures: a home game against Angola and a high-stakes away clash against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. These matches will be critical in determining Libya’s chances of advancing in the World Cup qualifiers.
Cissé’s return to the touchline comes months after he departs from Senegal, where he made history by guiding the Lions of Teranga to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2022. While Mauritania reportedly approached him for a coaching role, he ultimately chose to take on the challenge of leading Libya.
His mission will be to propel Libya onto the international stage, potentially securing qualification for their first-ever World Cup or a return to the AFCON. If successful, Cissé’s tenure could mark a turning point in Libyan football, congealing his status as one of Africa’s most influential coaches.
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