05.03.2015 17:26 h

Cisse replaces Giresse as Senegal coach

Former Senegal captain Aliou Cisse has replaced Frenchman Alain Giresse, as coach of the Lions of Terranga, after their poor showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, the national Federation (FSF) announced on Thursday.

At meetings in the Senegalese capital, former defender Cisse, who currently coaches the under-23 national side, was chosen to replace Giresse who failed to guide the team past the first round group phase in Equatorial Guinea.

Cisse was captain of the legendary side, that upset holders France at the 2002 World Cup, their one and only appearance at the tournament, and went on to historically reach the quarter-finals under the late French coach Bruno Metsu.

Months earlier, the team reached the final of the 2002 CAN in Mali, when Cisse missed his spot-kick in the penalty shootout and a chance for a first ever African title vanished at the hands of Cameroon.

His playing career included an extended spell in France where he notably turned out for Paris Saint-Germain and Lille while he also enjoyed success in the English Premier League with Birmingham and Portsmouth.

Cisse, 38, will be familiar with many of the players, having been an assistant coach for the team that competed at the 2012 London Olympics and went on to reach the quarter-finals.