Senegal women’s national team coach Mame Moussa Cisse has announced his departure from the team after the Teranga Lionesses failed to progress beyond the group stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Cisse confirmed his decision shortly after Senegal’s final Group A match against hosts Morocco ended in a goalless draw, a result that ended the West African side’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Senegal entered the decisive fixture knowing that only a victory would keep their knockout-stage ambitions alive. However, despite a determined defensive display, they were unable to find the goal they needed to continue their campaign.
The draw meant Morocco finished top of Group A with seven points, while Algeria secured second place after defeating Kenya 2-0 in the other group fixture. Senegal ended the tournament in third position with four points, with Kenya finishing bottom without a single point.
Although Senegal were eliminated, goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye produced one of the standout performances of the tournament.
The shot-stopper kept her side in the contest by saving two penalties in the second half, denying Morocco from the spot on two occasions and ensuring Senegal left the competition with a valuable point.
But Ndiaye’s heroics were not enough to extend Senegal’s stay in Morocco, as the team failed to produce the attacking breakthrough required to secure qualification.
For Cisse, the elimination marked the end of a long association with Senegal’s women’s national team programme.
The experienced coach, who had been involved with the team for almost 10 years, said he believed it was time for a new person to take charge and guide the side into the next phase of its development.
“It’s time to leave and let others come and break through this glass ceiling. Today (Monday), we have a good team, we’re in a good dynamic.”
He added that a new coach with fresh ideas could help Senegal achieve the targets they have set.
“Perhaps another coach, with a different vision and experience, can lead this team towards the goals we’ve set for ourselves.”
Cisse also reflected on his lengthy spell in charge and admitted that he had given everything during his time with the team.
“I’ve been here for 10 years. It’s time to hand the reins over to someone else, to try new things. I’ve given everything I had, but apparently, it’s not enough.”
The coach accepted responsibility for Senegal’s failure to reach the knockout stage, acknowledging that the team’s main objective at the tournament had not been achieved.
“The objective was not achieved. On a personal level, I take responsibility. This third consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was supposed to be my last.”
Senegal had arrived at WAFCON 2026 hoping to build on their progress in recent years, but their campaign ended earlier than expected after struggling to turn promising performances into decisive results.
