African coaches are set to take centre stage at the Africa Cup of Nations, with 14 native tacticians leading their countries into AFCON 2025 and underlining a clear shift in the continent’s technical leadership.
The tournament kicks off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and runs until January 18, 2026, in Morocco.
The tournament reflects a growing confidence in homegrown expertise, as national federations increasingly entrust their biggest ambitions to coaches shaped by African football realities.
Several teams have opted for domestic appointments, signalling a desire for continuity and cultural understanding.
Morocco continue under Walid Regragui, whose work has reshaped expectations following recent international success. Senegal are led by Pape Thiaw, while Tunisia have turned to Sami Trabelsi. Egypt’s bench is occupied by Hossam Hassan, one of the country’s most recognisable football figures, and Cameroon have placed their faith in David Pagou.
The defending champions are led by former international Emerse Faé, who goes into the tournament with high expectations as well.
Elsewhere, Gabon rely on Thierry Mouyouma, Mozambique on Chiquinho Condé, Burkina Faso on Brama Traoré, and Equatorial Guinea on Juan Micha, all reinforcing the prominence of national coaches.
In addition to home appointments, several federations have embraced African coaches from other countries, highlighting increased intra-continental collaboration.
Nigeria are guided by former Mali international Éric Chelle, Sudan by Ghanaian Kwesi Appiah, Botswana by South African Morena Ramoreboli, and Zambia by Moses Sichone.
These choices underline a belief that African coaches, regardless of nationality, possess the tactical knowledge and contextual awareness required to compete at the highest level.
European coaches remain present but are no longer dominant. Belgium supplies Tom Saintfiet at Mali, Hugo Broos at South Africa, and Paul Put at Uganda. France is represented by Sébastien Desabre with DR Congo and Patrice Beaumelle at Angola.
Gernot Rohr continues with Benin for Germany, Vladimir Petković represents Switzerland at Algeria, Mario Marinică is in charge of Zimbabwe for Romania, Stefano Cusin leads Comoros for Italy, and Miguel Gamondi heads Tanzania from Argentina.
The overall balance illustrates a decisive evolution. African coaches now occupy the majority of benches at the continent’s flagship tournament, reflecting improved coaching pathways, greater professional development, and renewed trust from football authorities.
The 14 African coaches at AFCON 2025
- Walid Regragui – Morocco
- Pape Thiaw – Senegal
- Sami Trabelsi – Tunisia
- Hossam Hassan – Egypt
- David Pagou – Cameroon
- Emerse Faé – Côte d’Ivoire
- Thierry Mouyouma – Gabon
- Chiquinho Condé – Mozambique
- Brama Traoré – Burkina Faso
- Juan Micha – Equatorial Guinea
- Éric Chelle – Nigeria
- Kwesi Appiah – Sudan
- Morena Ramoreboli – Botswana
- Moses Sichone – Zambia
