Senegal's Lions under Bacary Cissé's spotlight

On July 1 2026, the Lions fell 3‑2 to Belgium, extending a run of two straight losses (LL) within their recent form of 2W‑0D‑3L. Today, Bacary Cissé, head of the FSF communication commission, is pointing to administrative flaws that he says jeopardize Senegalese football’s future.

Why is the FSF under fire?

Cissé says the termination of coach Pape Thiaw’s contract is merely a symptom of a deeper issue. He argues the Senegalese Football Federation’s governance suffers from opacity and decisions made without consultation. “The failure in the United States isn’t solely Thiaw’s burden,” he stated, emphasizing the role of the technical staff and officials.

How does this affect the Lions?

The Lions, who hoped to shine at the 2026 World Cup, see their prospects dimmed by this instability. A lack of tactical consistency and mounting media pressure worsen the situation. Cissé notes that only a technico‑tactical analysis has been completed, leaving other assessments pending and delaying any corrective action.

What solutions does Cissé propose?

He calls for a governance overhaul, including an external audit and the creation of an independent oversight committee. According to him, every stakeholder must own their share of responsibility to restore the FSF’s credibility and rebuild the Lions’ confidence.

What’s next for Senegal?

In the coming weeks, the FSF must decide whether to adopt Cissé’s recommendations or stay its course. The Lions’ next match against Morocco on July 20 will be a decisive test of how these tensions translate onto the pitch.

In short, Bacary Cissé’s criticism lays bare internal FSF weaknesses, reminding that the Lions’ success hinges as much on off‑field management as on-field performance.