Five African nations to watch as new coaches begin CAN 2027 campaigns

The September 2026 international break will mark the start of a new era for several African national teams, with the qualifying campaign for CAN 2027 providing an immediate test for newly appointed coaches.

Senegal, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria and Cape Verde will all be closely watched as they introduce new ideas, select new players and begin working towards qualification for the tournament.

Senegal: Patrick Vieira’s first test

Patrick Vieira will take charge of Senegal for the first time in a competitive match after being appointed in August to replace Pape Thiaw.

The former France international’s first experience as a national-team manager begins against Mozambique on 25 September. The Lions of Teranga then travel to Ethiopia four days later.

Vieira will be without Sadio Mane, who has been left out of his first squad because of a physical problem. Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Matar Sarr are among the established players available to the new manager.

Gabon: Migne begins without Aubameyang

Sebastien Migne, appointed in July on a contract running until 2029, begins his tenure with the stated aim of leading Gabon to CAN 2027.

The Pantheres visit Morocco on 25 September before hosting Niger on 29 September. The two qualifiers will offer an early indication of Migne’s preferred approach and how he intends to rebuild the side.

His appointment comes shortly after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang announced his international retirement at the beginning of September. The new coaching staff must therefore plan without Gabon’s former captain and record goalscorer.

Cote d’Ivoire: Renard starts a second spell

Herve Renard’s return is one of the major developments of the international window. The French coach has replaced Emerse Fae and begins a second spell in charge of Cote d’Ivoire.

Renard has included eight new players in his first squad, including Patrick Zabi, Eddy Doue, Amadou Kone, Malick Yalcouye and Christ Tape.

The Elephants play Ghana in Bouake on 24 September, then face Somalia on 29 September, before a friendly against Cameroon.

Algeria: Hemdani’s first competitive matches

Algeria appointed Brahim Hemdani as manager in early September following Vladimir Petkovic’s departure. The former Algeria international arrives after guiding the country’s Under-21 side to the title at the 2026 Mediterranean Games.

His first major assignment is a home qualifier against Zambia on 25 September. The Fennecs then travel to Burundi four days later, giving Hemdani two early opportunities to establish his selection and tactical preferences.

Cape Verde: Bettencourt takes over

Humberto Bettencourt has stepped up from assistant manager following the departure of Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista.

Bettencourt already knows the squad well, having worked alongside his predecessor for six years. His first match is against Mali on 25 September, followed by a home game against Rwanda four days later.

After reaching the 2026 World Cup for the first time in their history, the Blue Sharks now begin a new cycle under Bettencourt.