After years of stagnation, Libyan football is set for a revival under the leadership of Aliou Cisse, the former Senegal national team coach.
Cisse, who led Senegal to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 2021, aims to transform the fortunes of the Mediterranean Knights with a clear vision and strategic planning.
Key Takeaways
- Aliou Cisse signed a two-year contract to coach Libya in March 2023.
- His goal is to qualify Libya for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012.
- Cisse emphasizes the importance of local talent and building a strong team culture.
Cisse’s Ambitious Goals
Cisse’s appointment as head coach was met with surprise, given Libya’s current FIFA ranking of 117th in the world.
However, Cisse felt an immediate connection with the Libyan Football Federation, stating, “They have a clear vision, and there is where our ideas met.”
His primary objective is to qualify Libya for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2027, a tournament the country has not participated in for 15 years.
Cisse believes that Libya possesses a wealth of talent and potential, but he acknowledges the need for improved experience and game management.
Building A Strong Foundation
Cisse’s strategy involves a two-pronged approach:
- Developing Local Talent: He plans to build the team around domestic players, enhancing their skills and integrating them with professional players from abroad.
- Creating a Winning Culture: Cisse aims to instill a sense of pride and commitment among players, emphasizing that representing the national team is a significant honor.
He stated, “A player can represent many clubs throughout his career, but he will only ever have one national team. Playing for the national team should be seen as a great honor.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite his optimistic outlook, Cisse faces challenges. Libya’s recent performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been underwhelming, with only one point from two matches against Angola and Cameroon.
Cisse remains hopeful, asserting, “Our chances are still alive. In football, nothing is impossible.”
To improve the team’s performance, Cisse has initiated strategic meetings with Libyan officials to establish a roadmap for success.
He aims to blend local talent with players from the diaspora, reaching out to Libyan athletes playing in leagues across Europe.
Embracing Pressure
Cisse understands that coaching in Africa comes with its pressures, but he views this as a motivating factor.
He stated, “High-level football is all about pressure, and every person who wants to succeed in life must accept pressure.”
His experience with Senegal has prepared him for this role, and he is committed to laying the groundwork for a successful future in Libyan football.
Cisse’s journey with the Mediterranean Knights is just beginning, but his vision for a revitalized national team is clear and ambitious.
