Battle of eras: AFCON 2025 set to showcase a rare divide among Africa’s Coaches

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is poised to highlight an unusually stark contrast on the touchlines, where veteran tacticians and first-time managers will share the stage in a competition where strategic nuance often makes the difference.

With a field that blends long-standing figures of African football with an emerging class of ambitious newcomers, this edition promises a compelling clash of philosophies and experience.

At the top of the hierarchy sit the seasoned campaigners—the select few who have managed at least two AFCON tournaments and serve as the competition’s most recognisable benchmarks.

Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who has worked across multiple African national teams, returns determined to guide South Africa through what could be his final major tournament.

Alongside him, Frenchman Sébastien Desabre continues to steer the Democratic Republic of Congo with a project shaped by his previous continental experience.

Equatorial Guinea’s Juan Micha, known for his stability and tactical discipline, joins this group of established figures, as does Franco-German manager Gernot Rohr, now in charge of Benin.

Belgian Paul Put, another familiar face with years spent across African dugouts, prepares to lead Uganda with hopes of a breakthrough performance.

Just behind them is a substantial group of coaches who have only experienced AFCON once but now look to cement their influence.

Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé, a rising figure following his early impact with the national team, aims to transform his initial participation into something more enduring.

Walid Regragui, emblematic of modern Moroccan football, will attempt to leverage home advantage to elevate his second campaign.

Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi, Mali’s Tom Saintfiet, and Angola’s Patrice Beaumelle all enter with a clear understanding of the tournament’s pressures and hope to use that foundation for deeper runs.

They are joined by Mario Marinică of Zimbabwe, Eric Sekou Chelle of Nigeria, James Kwesi Appiah guiding Sudan, and Mozambique’s Chiquinho Conde—each seeking to take the next step in this year’s competition.

The final category features those entering uncharted territory: coaches making their AFCON debut. Their challenge will be immediate and intense—learning the demands of the competition while trying to deliver results under immense scrutiny. Egypt places its faith in Hossam Hassan, a national icon stepping into his first major international tournament as manager.

He is joined by Senegal’s Pape Bouna Thiaw, Botswana’s Morena Ramoreboli, Burkina Faso’s Brama Traoré, Cameroon’s David Pagou, and Gabon’s Thierry Mouyouma—all eager to prove their credentials.

Zambia’s Moses Sichone, Comoros’ Stefano Cusin, Tanzania’s Miguel Angel Gamondi, and Algeria’s Vladimir Petković complete this diverse group, which blends local insight with European and South American coaching influence.

As AFCON 2025 approaches, the touchline will become a theatre of contrasting experiences—masters of the competition facing newcomers hungry for recognition.

The outcome may hinge not only on the talent on the pitch but also on the depth of wisdom or boldness behind each bench.