Aliou Cissé appointed as new head coach of Angola
The Angolan Football Federation has appointed Aliou Cissé as the new head coach of the national team on a four-year contract. The 50-year-old Senegalese coach was recently released from his contract with the Libyan Football Federation and has immediately taken the helm of the Palancas Negras. The Angolan federation announced the appointment on its official social media channels, confirming Cissé as the successor to the previous manager.
Cissé arrives with a significant pedigree, having led his native Senegal to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, the first in the nation's history. His tenure with the Teranga Lions, which spanned from 2015 to 2024, was the longest of any coach in the team's history. His final role before this appointment was with the Libya national team, where his record was mixed, with three wins in ten matches.
The Angolan Football Federation has set a clear and immediate objective for the new manager: qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. This will be the primary focus of his four-year contract. Angola, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 AFCON, failed to qualify for the 2024 tournament in Ivory Coast, a disappointment the federation is eager to move past.
Cissé’s reputation as a motivator and a leader, forged during his playing career with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Birmingham City, precedes him. His success in building a cohesive and disciplined Senegalese side, culminating in their 2021 AFCON victory, was built on a foundation of strong team spirit and tactical discipline. His challenge will be to instill a similar identity and resilience in an Angolan squad looking to establish itself as a consistent force in African football.
The immediate task for Cissé will be to assess the player pool and begin preparations for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers. His experience and continental success are seen as major assets for an Angolan side that has shown promise but lacked consistency. The federation will be hoping his winning mentality and deep understanding of African football can be the catalyst for a new, more successful era for Angolan football.
