Atlético Ottawa Signs Defending CPL Champion Abou Sissoko

February 7, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Atletico Ottawa News Release

Atlético Ottawa defensive midfielder Abou Sissoko
(Atletico Ottawa, Credit: Chris Hue / Atlético Ottawa)

OTTAWA, ON – Atlético Ottawa is delighted to announce the arrival of defending Canadian Premier League (CPL) champion, defensive midfielder Abou Sissoko, on a two-year deal running until the end of the 2025 season.

Sissoko, 28, spent the past two seasons with Ontario-rivals rivals Forge FC (Hamilton, ON) and was crowned CPL Champion in back-to-back seasons, including a 2022 CPL final triumph against Carlos González’s Atlético Ottawa in front of 15,000 fans at TD Place.

“With the arrival of Aboubakar Sissoko we add secure value to our midfield,” said Carlos González, Head Coach, Atlético Ottawa. “Sissoko is a player who fits perfectly with the characteristics we are looking for as a team and that this league demands. Energy and box-to-box ability, natural talent and the mentality of a great competitor. We are looking forward to seeing how he complements and adds depth to our midfield this season.”

Born in Bamako, Mali, Sissoko moved to Montréal at 11 years old and began his path to becoming a professional soccer player in Ligue1 Québec (previously known as PLSQ) with stints at CS Longueuil and CS Mont-Royal Outremont before taking the U SPORTS scene by storm with Montréal Carabins (Université de Montréal). The midfielder’s exploits earned him a contract with Halifax Wanderers and was instrumental in their run to the 2020 CPL Island Games Final.

Sissoko’s performances during the Island Games saw the midfielder make a move to Indy Eleven in the United Soccer League (USL) where he shared a locker room with Atlético Ottawa defender Karl Ouimette and former-captain Carl Haworth. After 21 appearances for Indy Eleven in 2021, the 28-year-old would move back to Canada as he joined Forge FC where he would become an instrumental part of The Hammers’ midfield. Sissoko featured 65 times over two seasons, including twice in the CONCACAF Champions League against Mexican giants Cruz Azul. He scored six (6) goals and provided five (5) assists from a defensive midfield position.

“I am very happy to have made this move and to have joined Atlético Ottawa,” said Sissoko. “This move brings me closer to my family, to a beautiful city and to play for a team that will be a top contender to win the championship this year. Every time I have come here the crowd has been great, and the…