Senegal coach recovers after scare as striker Sima bows out of AFCON
Senegal's head coach Aliou Cisse looks on during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 Group C football match between Senegal and Cameroon at the Stade Charles Konan Banny, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, Jan. 19, 2024. (AFP Photo)


Senegal coach Aliou Cisse left the hospital in Yamoussoukro on Saturday, while striker Abdallah Sima has headed back to Scottish club Rangers due to an injury that has sidelined him for the rest of the Africa Cup of Nations, as per a team statement.

Cisse was admitted on Friday following his team's 3-1 victory over Cameroon at the tournament in the Ivory Coast but is now back with the squad at their hotel in the Ivorian capital.

"He was treated by the medical staff and care services of Yamoussoukro hospital for a benign infection," said the Senegalese Football Federation on Saturday.

Cisse was admitted hours after Senegal won their second game at the tournament, a result that secured them a place in the next round.

Cisse has been the coach of his country since 2015 and led them to victory at the last Cup of Nations two years ago. The 47-year-old also coached them at the last two World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, striker Sima is out of the tournament after suffering an injury in training on Wednesday.

"Abdallah Sima left today after examinations following an injury contracted during training on Wednesday. He has an injury to the long adductor of the left thigh," a statement said.

"Presuming a long period of unavailability of the player, the medical staff of the Senegal team and his club, Glasgow Rangers, have decided to return him to the club for optimal management of his injury."

The 22-year-old had been a late call-up by the defending champions.