Sadio Mane has reacted to the sudden news that Senegal boss Aliou Cisse has been dismissed from the role.
It came as quite a shock for many when it was announced that the Senegalese Ministry of Sports had decided to not continue with Cisse at the team's helm.
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The decision comes just a week before the next international break, with the Lions of Teranga set to play two important 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi on 11 and 15 October.
A statement by the Senegal Football Federation reads: "The FSF takes note of the decision of the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture not to approve the renewal of the contract of the Head Coach of the Senegal National Team A, Mr. Aliou Cisse.
"The FSF would like to thank Mr. Aliou Cisse for his good collaboration and brilliant results at the head of the different national teams he has led since his arrival in 2011 and wishes him much success in the future."
Several national team players have since penned emotional tributes to the 48-year-old, including the nation's leading marksman, Mane.
In a heartfelt farewell message on X, the Al Nassr star wrote: "You have been the positive embodiment of our selection during this decade.
"Your time on the bench of our national team will not be in vain. We will remember you as a man who loves the flag of his country and the one who fought to raise our colours high.
"Thank you, Champion, for your services!!!"
Tu as été l'incarnation positive de notre sélection pendant cette décennie. Ton passage sur le banc de touche de notre équipe nationale ne sera pas vain. On retiendra en toi un homme qui aime le drapeau de son pays et celui qui s'est battu pour hisser haut nos couleurs.
— Sadio Mané (@SMane_Officiel) October 2, 2024
Merci… pic.twitter.com/1DASE5Lybj
According to CAFOnline, Cisse's contract expired in August, and he was in talks with the FSF over a one-year extension, but the Ministry of Sports expressed their disapproval for him to continue.
Cisse was appointed as Senegal boss in March 2015, and his tenure has been littered with several huge milestones, including the 2021 AFCON triumph, which was the country's first-ever continental crown.
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Moreover, he guided the west African side to the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, the final of the 2019 AFCON, as well as their highest-ever position on the FIFA rankings with a 17th spot placing in April 2024.