Jorge Costa Named New Coach of Gabon Ahead of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
By BBC Sport Staff
Gabon has officially appointed Jorge Costa, the former Portuguese international defender, as their new head coach ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers. Costa, a respected figure in Portuguese football, takes over the role from interim coach Georges Mbourounot, following the departure of fellow Portuguese Paulo Duarte.
The announcement was made on Thursday, ending speculation that Greece’s coach Fernando Santos might take charge of the Panthers. Costa, 46, has signed a two-year contract with the Gabonese Football Federation, with his primary objective being to guide the team to qualification for the CAN tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco.
Costa enjoyed a distinguished playing career, most notably with FC Porto, where he made over 300 appearances. He also had stints with Penafiel, Marítimo, Charlton Athletic in England, and Standard Liège in Belgium. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, gaining experience across several countries, including Portugal—where he managed Braga, Olhanense, Académica Coimbra, and Paços de Ferreira—as well as Romania’s CFR Cluj and Cyprus clubs AEL Limassol and Anorthosis.
This appointment marks Jorge Costa’s first managerial role on the African continent. Gabon’s campaign for the 2015 CAN begins in September, with the Panthers placed in Group C alongside Angola, Burkina Faso, and the winner of the Lesotho-Kenya playoff.
Costa inherits a team eager to build on recent progress and compete strongly on the continental stage. With his extensive European experience, the Portuguese coach will be tasked with steering Gabon through a crucial qualification phase and beyond.
