AFCON 2025: Multiple nations sack coaches ahead of tournament kick-off

Five African national teams have already dismissed their head coaches in the build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with several more sides weighing changes as preparations intensify for the tournament scheduled from 21 December to 18 January in Morocco.

Angola acted first when officials removed Portuguese coach Pedro Gonçalves from his position in September.

They took the decision after a spell of poor performances, including a disappointing outing at CHAN 2024 that left the federation frustrated with the team’s direction.

Zimbabwe followed soon after. The federation ended the tenure of German coach Michael Nees at the end of October, citing an underwhelming World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nees struggled to collect results that matched expectations, and officials moved quickly to seek new leadership.

In early November, Hemed Suleiman lost his job in Tanzania. The decision surprised many supporters because he guided the Taifa Stars to the 2025 AFCON and reached the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals.

He also kept the team competitive in World Cup qualifying, where they finished third.

Despite these achievements, disagreements behind the scenes led officials to remove him from the role.

Zambia also made a major change when the federation dismissed Israeli coach Avram Grant in late October.

Grant’s side endured a difficult CHAN 2024 campaign, losing all four group matches.

The team also struggled in their World Cup qualifying group, where they finished third, prompting the federation to seek a new direction.

The most recent dismissal came in Cameroon. FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o sacked Belgian coach Marc Brys on Monday after the Indomitable Lions failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Eto’o moved decisively, stating that the team needed new leadership ahead of AFCON 2025.

With the tournament approaching rapidly, more federations could make late changes as pressure grows to enter the competition with stronger momentum.