The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has announced the appointment of former Comoros senior team coach Younes Zerdouk as the head coach of the Ivory Coast U20 national team.
This move is part of a broader overhaul within the federation aimed at revitalizing its technical structure ahead of key international tournaments.
Comprehensive Reshuffle at FIF
On Tuesday, the FIF undertook significant changes within the National Technical Directorate (DTN), bringing in Franco-Algerian Lounes Hattab to lead the department.
The overhaul extended to the coaching teams of both men’s and women’s youth national sides, signaling a renewed focus on development and preparation for upcoming competitions.
With the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place on home soil from April 26 to May 25, these changes are seen as critical for Côte d’Ivoire’s ambitions in the tournament.
Younes Zerdouk Takes Charge
Younes Zerdouk, a Franco-Moroccan with nearly three decades of football experience, has been entrusted with leading the U20 squad.
Zerdouk, who holds a UEFA A coaching license obtained at the age of 23, has a rich but mixed coaching history.
He served as an assistant coach for the Comoros national team from 2017 to 2022 before stepping up as head coach in March 2022.
During his tenure, he led the team in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, achieving two victories in five matches.
While his record was commendable, it fell short of the legacy left by his predecessor, Amir Abdou.
Mixed Fortunes in Club Management
Zerdouk’s coaching journey has also included stints at club level, though with varying success.
He spent less than a year at Bourges Foot 18 and had a brief tenure in the Cypriot second division with Ayia Napa, managing only four matches.
These experiences have led some observers to question the FIF’s decision, viewing it as a bold gamble.
A Mission for Redemption
Now at the helm of the Ivorian U20 team, Zerdouk faces the significant task of preparing the young Elephants for the U20 AFCON.
Success in the tournament is crucial, as it offers a pathway to qualification for the U20 World Cup.
This appointment represents a pivotal moment for both Zerdouk and the Ivorian youth team.
For the coach, it is an opportunity to rebuild his reputation, while for the federation, it is a step toward cultivating a competitive future for Ivorian football.
