Ibrahim Kamara, the current head coach of the Ivory Coast senior national team, will no longer be able to continue his duties with the A’ national team. The decision has prompted the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) to begin the process of appointing a new coach to lead the local-based selection, which is preparing for important upcoming fixtures.
On Wednesday, the FIF officially announced the opening of applications for the position of head coach of the Ivory Coast A’ team. This selection is composed exclusively of players competing in the domestic league and plays a key role in the development of local talent, particularly in preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The federation has set April 18 as the deadline for submitting applications. In addition to the timeline, the FIF has clearly outlined a set of criteria that candidates must meet in order to be considered for the role. These requirements aim to ensure that the future coach has both the technical qualifications and the local football knowledge necessary to guide the team effectively.
According to the federation, applicants must be of Ivorian nationality, a condition that reflects the desire to entrust the development of domestic players to a coach who understands the local football environment. Candidates must also have experience coaching at first-division level, ensuring familiarity with high-level competition and the demands of elite football within the country. Finally, possession of a CAF A license is mandatory, underlining the importance of recognized coaching qualifications and compliance with continental standards.
The timing of this recruitment process is particularly significant, as the Ivory Coast A’ team has crucial matches ahead. The local Elephants are set to face Niger in a double-header as part of the second round of qualifiers for the 2020 African Nations Championship. These encounters will be decisive in determining whether Ivory Coast secures a place in the final tournament, which showcases the best locally based players across Africa.
With Ibrahim Kamara now fully focused on his responsibilities with the senior national team, the FIF is keen to appoint a replacement quickly to ensure continuity and proper preparation. The new coach will have the task of assembling a competitive squad, instilling tactical discipline, and maximizing the potential of players drawn from the domestic championship.
The A’ team has traditionally served as a stepping stone for players aiming to break into the senior national side. As such, the appointment of the right coach is viewed as a strategic decision, one that could have long-term benefits for Ivorian football. The federation hopes that the selected candidate will not only achieve short-term success in the CHAN qualifiers but also contribute to the broader development of local talent.
As the April 18 deadline approaches, attention will turn to the list of candidates and the profile ultimately chosen by the federation. With important matches against Niger on the horizon, the future coach will be expected to make an immediate impact and guide the A’ team through a critical phase of its continental campaign.
