Aliou Cissé, the new coach of the Libyan national team, has expressed confidence in his abilities to guide the Mediterranean Knights back to the big stage and pledged to end Libya’s 12-year hiatus from major international events.
Cissé emphasised his resolve to make Libya a competitive power in African football during his formal unveiling in Tripoli.
The former Senegal coach, who guided his nation to 2022 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON championship and a World Cup knockout stage attendance, thinks his background will help a Libyan team that has historically had trouble making it to international tournaments.
“I am honoured to be here in Libya and excited about this challenge.
“The Libyan national team has talented players, and with the right approach, we can build a team capable of competing at the highest level,” Cissé said.
Libya has never made it to a FIFA World Cup and hasn’t participated in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2012.
Cissé is adamant about changing that, stressing that his appointment is about long-term growth rather than immediate outcomes.
“Through cooperation and hard work, we can elevate the national team to new levels of professionalism,” he said.
“The Libyan league has great players, and we will also look for international professionals to strengthen the squad.”
Given Cissé’s stellar record with Senegal, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) views his hiring as a calculated decision.
As a coach, he orchestrated Senegal’s 2022 AFCON victory, their first-ever continental title, while as a player, he led the team to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals.
Two important FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2026 mark the start of Cissé’s term.
Libya will play Angola in Benghazi on March 20 before going to Yaoundé to play the Indomitable Lions on March 25.
Libya is currently in second place in Group D with seven points, one point behind leaders Cameroon.
Libya would be in a strong position to make it to the World Cup for the first time in its history if they won these games.
“The support of the Libyan media and fans will be crucial. If we work together, we can achieve something special,” Cissé added.
Libya’s victory in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition for domestic players, in 2014 was their most recent significant international achievement.
By combining local talent with seasoned professionals who play overseas, Cissé hopes to capitalise on that success.
Libyan supporters are confident that Cissé’s leadership may bring the club back to life, and his arrival has inspired optimism throughout the country.
Senegal became one of Africa’s most formidable teams thanks to his methodical, controlled approach, and Libya expects to reap the same rewards.
Now entrusted with authoring a new chapter in Libyan football, the former Senegal captain is known for inspiring faith in his teams.
All eyes will be on Cissé to break Libya’s qualification curse as the road begins with the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.