Senegal have a knack of springing surprises in their opening World Cup games. Today was only their second opener at the tournament ever, and nothing will ever top the elation of beating holders France in 2002, but their 2-1 win over Poland was a huge success for the Lions of Teranga in a tough group.
The man who orchestrated the victory from the sidelines was Aliou Cisse, who has been the Senegal manager since 2015.
The former Senegalese international, who is the only black manager at Russia 2018, was constantly giving it loads from the touchline, encouraging his players to keep it going until the final whistle.
Twitter users were enamoured with Cisse and his amazing demeanour, best illustrated by his splendid celebration following Senegal's winning goal.
No other coach celebration is cooler than this. #SEN pic.twitter.com/xPt48MRQ9o
— ballball (@ballball) June 19, 2018
Feel free to use this gif I've just knocked up ?#WorldCup #pol #sen #POLSEN #yesyesyes pic.twitter.com/QSNB6dye1o
— Jonny Phillips (@braineagles) June 19, 2018
Aliou Cissé is looking into my soul #SEN pic.twitter.com/OSabg9Td2i
— Across the Pond (@ATPradio) June 19, 2018
Loved that hug between Aliou Cisse and Mamadou Niang after the latter came off. You can tell Cisse has genuine admiration from his players. #SEN
— Mohammed (@think_B1G) June 19, 2018
#SEN is the only African team with an African coach and you can see how outstanding their performance has been. Africa need to stop with this white coaches obsession. The first African team to win a match in #WorldCup what a beauty. Good work Aliou Cissé #POLSEN pic.twitter.com/qqmHgzmmn0
— Kenya West© (@KinyanBoy) June 19, 2018
I want a Puma suit like Aliou Cissé #SEN ?
— ⚽️ is a Country (@FutbolsaCountry) June 19, 2018
#Sen manager is the only black manager at this #WorldCup , possibly the youngest, and also the least paid.
— Abdullahi Halakhe (@QulshTM) June 19, 2018
King Cisse! ?
As captain he led #SEN to a shock win against #FRA in their opening game at the 2002 #WorldCup.
As manager he’s led his country to a 2-1 win over #POL in their 2018 opener.
Ladies and gentlemen, re-introducing Aliou Cisse. Legend. #KweseFootball #KweseFifa pic.twitter.com/1pdEdL8jaC
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) June 19, 2018
There was minor controversy surrounding Senegal's second goal however, as M'Baye Niang was allowed back on to the field of play by the official just as the ball was hit into the Poland half of the field, allowing him to steal the ball from the defender.
After coming off injured, Niang is waved on by the referee and almost immediately wins the ball and scores. #SEN pic.twitter.com/5Z28h0wv49
— The Athletic Soccer (@TheAthleticSCCR) June 19, 2018
Who Is The Senegal Manager, Aliou Cisse?
Aliou Cisse was captain of the famous Senegal side that shocked the world in 2002 by beating France, the winners of the World Cup in 1998. He won 35 international caps across six years, retiring from international duty in 2005.
Plying his trade as a defensive midfielder, Cisse spent a brief spell in the Premier League with Birmingham City and Portsmouth. He also played in Ligue 1 with Montpellier, PSG and Lille.
Cisse has been the Senegal manager for three years, leading the African nation to their second World Cup finals in their history. He is the only black manager and the lowest paid of all 32 at the tournament, earning £174,500 according to the Daily Mirror.
