Senegal coach Mame Moussa Cissé says his team are approaching the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with humility but a clear ambition which is to reach the semi-finals of the continental tournament for the first time.
The Lionesses begin their campaign against Algeria on Sunday, with Cissé insisting that Senegal must focus first on navigating the group stage before thinking about a historic place in the final four.
“We are going there with a lot of humility but with the ambition to reach the semi-finals,” Cissé said, outlining the target that has guided Senegal’s preparations in recent months.
The Senegalese coach believes his players have the ability to compete with the best teams in Africa, but he is also aware of the mistakes that have prevented them from reaching their full potential in previous tournaments.
Senegal’s last Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended with disappointment, with individual mistakes, lapses in concentration and tactical issues affecting their progress.
Cissé has identified those areas as problems his team must solve if they are to achieve their objectives in Morocco.
The coach, who previously worked with ETICS Boro, has built a reputation as a demanding figure who balances confidence with caution. While he has often shown belief in his players, he has also warned against excessive optimism and complacency.
For Cissé, Senegal’s challenge is not only about talent but also about mentality.
The coach believes his squad must maintain discipline throughout matches and avoid the errors that have previously cost them important results.
The WAFCON campaign also represents a significant moment for Cissé personally after a period of uncertainty over his future as Senegal’s head coach.
His position came under pressure in late 2025 when the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) opened applications for the national team coaching role.
Despite the progress he had made with the Lionesses, Cissé was initially left waiting for confirmation about whether he would continue in charge.
He eventually learned through a federation announcement that he would remain as head coach and lead the team into the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.
The FSF also appointed former Senegal Under-20 coach Mbayang Thiam as his assistant, a move seen as significant because she is considered a possible future successor.
The addition of Thiam provides Senegal with another experienced figure within the technical team, while also giving the federation an option for the future depending on the outcome of the tournament.
Cissé now has the opportunity to strengthen his legacy with the Lionesses, having spent more than a decade working with the team.
