“In the assessment of his contract, we feel he achieved his initial goal of qualifying the team for the World Cup, after which the whole world recognises that he was able to bring the Senegalese team up to an appreciable level,” Senegal Football Federation president Augustin Senghor said after Thursday’s meeting to review the team’s performance.

Senegal became the first side eliminated at a World Cup on the ‘fair play rule’ after finishing level with Japan but being placed behind them in the group standings because of a higher number of yellow cards received during the tournament in Russia.

“We do not see why he should not continue, so we have assigned him a mission to reach the 2019 Nations Cup final,” added Senghor.

“Through his remarks, it was clear Cissé is aiming for this goal himself, and Senegal wants the trophy.”

The 42-year-old Cissé took over as coach in March 2015, and at the last Nations Cup in Gabon in early 2017, saw his side beaten on penalties in the quarterfinals.

He captained Senegal at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, where they beat holders France in the opening game and reached the quarterfinals.

His club career consisted of spells at Lille and Paris Saint-Germain before playing in the English Premier League with Birmingham City and later Portsmouth. He also played 35 games for the Senegal national team.

He coached Senegal’s under-23 team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and then took over the senior side.