Picture Credit: Twitter
Chak De! India is one of the most famous movies made in India which motivated so many youngsters in the country. The story of Kabir Khan was nothing short of any inspiration which taught a very important lesson to everyone - Never give up! The athlete, who missed a crucial penalty during his playing days, returned as coach of the national team to take them to glory. Isn't this what fairytales are all about?
Much to the shock of everyone, the world got to see the exact sequence of events in sport of football. There is a real life Kabir Khan in Senegal - Aliou Cisse - who literally struggled for 20 years before getting his moment of redemption.
Check out his dramatic journey to know how he literally re-created the story of Chak De! India in real life:
2002 - The tragedy in AFCON Final
Aliou Cisse was the captain of Senegal during the African Cup of Nations way back in 2002. He led his side brilliantly throughout the course of tournament as they knocked out Nigeria in the semi-finals to make it to the grand finale.
Senegal were just a few moments away from winning their first-ever AFCON title with the final showdown against Cameroon going to penalties. But unfortunately, it turned into a nightmare for their captain!
With his side 3-2 down in the shoot-out, Aliou Cisse stepped up to take the decisive penalty (to keep his side in the contest) but he missed it and Senegal's dream was over. Cameroon were crowned as champions leaving the Senegal captain, players and fans absolutely shattered.
2004 - More misery for Cisse and Senegal
In hope of redemption, Aliou Cisse-led Senegal returned to African Cup of Nations in 2004. However, their campaign ended in tears once again as they were knocked out of the tournament in quarter-finals by eventual champions Tunisia. Cisse never got an opportunity to play AFCON once again as he played his last match for Senegal in 2005.
Although he was one of the greatest leaders that the nation ever produced in football, his dream of lifting the trophy remained un-fulfilled and the traumatic moment of 2002 stayed with him forever.
2013 - The man returns after 9 years
Although his playing career ended, Aliou Cisse did not give up. He returned to the scene as coach, having been appointed as the manager of Senegal U-23 team in 2013. This is where a new chapter began in his life, but with the same old ambition. His consistent efforts with the youngsters helped him land up the job he was after - Manager of Senegal's senior team.
2015 - Cisse lands up his dream job
In March 2015, Aliou Cisse was officially appointed as the head coach of Senegal's national football team and this is where he kicked off his journey once again. He helped his side qualify for FIFA World Cup 2018 where Senegal put up a brilliant show, but they were unfortunately knocked out of group stages due to new tie-breaker rules.
2019 - So close yet so far!
The ultimate moment of glory looked finally possible in 2019. Cisse guided Senegal to the final of African Cup of Nations once again, this time as manager, and the stage was set perfectly for a happy ending. Unfortunately, Senegal had to face defeat in the final once again as Algeria defeated them 1-0 to clinch the trophy. The misery, the disappointment and the trauma for Cisse continued!
2022 - Finally! The MOMENT OF GLORY
Although his job was under risk after 2019 defeat, the management kept their faith in Aliou Cisse as his contract was extended. He built a brilliant team in next couple of years with Senegal entering the 2022 African Cup of Nations with what was being termed as a golden generation. This was probably the last attempt for Cisse!
Things did not really start off well for them as Senegal played out two draws in group stages, which brought their manager under lot of scrutiny. And this is when the Bollywood magic unfolded.
Senegal made their way into the finals and with the ultimate showdown going into penalties, Sadio Mane (who missed a penalty earlier in the match) scored the decisive spot-kick to win the first-ever AFCON title for Senegal.
After 20 years of struggle, hard-work, dedication and never-give-up attitude, Aliou Cisse became a national hero once again as he guided his country to glory finally!
What a story! What a journey! The man certainly proved the famous Bollywood dialogue: "Kehte hain agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaho … to poori kainath use tumse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai." Aliou Cisse, take a bow!