Aliou Cisse has been relieved of his position as Senegal coach after nine and a half years in charge of the Teranga Lions.

The 48-year-old guided the West Africans to their first continental title, winning the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in February 2022.

Although his previous contract ended in August, he remained in charge for Senegal’s two 2025 Afcon qualifiers last month, a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso and a 1-0 victory over Burundi.

The country’s football federation (FSF) wanted Cisse’s deal to be renewed but the sports ministry, under Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new government, has made the decision to end his long tenure just nine days before the next round of qualifiers.

“The FSF would like to thank Aliou Cisse for his good collaboration and his brilliant results at the head of various national selections and wishes him every success for the future,” a statement said.

While relations between the government, who pay the coach’s salary, and the FSF have not always been easy, the timing of the move is a surprise.

Cisse had already called a press conference for Friday to announce his squad for this month’s double-header against Malawi.

Cisse, who won 35 caps for Senegal as a player, took charge in March 2015 and his longevity in the role helped establish the Teranga Lions as Africa’s top-ranked side for over four years.

Their Nations Cup title, won on penalties against Egypt in Cameroon, came three years after finishing as runners-up at the 2019 edition of the finals.

However, the defence of their trophy earlier this year ended in the last 16 after a penalty shootout defeat against hosts and eventual champions Ivory Coast.