Senegal has hired Frenchman Pierre Lechantre as its national soccer coach.

Louis Lamotte, vice president of the Senegalese soccer federation, announced the decision late Friday after a meeting of the selection committee.

The former Cameroon coach was one of two candidates for the job, along with Bruno Metsu, who led Senegal to the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup.

Senegal clinched the last spot in the London Olympics on Monday, beating Oman 2-0 in a playoff.

Senegal's senior team had been without a coach since Amara Traore was removed in February after losing all three games at the African Cup.

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