The 2023 African Cup of Nations has seen the departure of seven head coaches, following their teams’ elimination either in the group stage or the round of 16.
The latest casualty is Rui Vitoria, the coach of the Egyptian national team, after failing to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament, with a loss to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 16.
Rui Vitoria (Egypt)
Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria became the seventh coach to be dismissed following a stumble in the African tournament.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo eliminated the Egyptian team after a penalty shootout victory.
The Egyptian Football Association stated in an official statement: “Following a meeting to discuss the technical and administrative reports on Egypt’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire 2023, the board of directors of the Egyptian Football Association decided to extend their thanks to Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria and his staff.”
Jamal Belmadi (Algeria)
Algeria’s national team failed to secure a victory in any match in the African Cup of Nations since winning the title in 2019.
Consequently, the Algerian Football Federation parted ways with coach Jamal Belmadi.
Sadek Walid, the president of the Algerian Football Federation, stated: “I met with the national coach Jamal Belmadi to discuss the repercussions of this painful elimination, and we reached an amicable agreement to terminate the contract that binds the coach to the Algerian Football Federation.”
Chris Hughton (Ghana)
Ghana’s national team bid farewell to the African Cup of Nations 2023 in the group stage.
Consequently, Chris Hughton, the head coach of the Ghanaian team, and his coaching staff were relieved of their duties by the Ghana Football Association.
Jalal Kadri (Tunisia)
Tunisia also exited the tournament in the group stage.
Consequently, Jalal Kadri, the head coach of the Tunisian national team, tendered his resignation from his position.
Adel Amrouche (Tanzania)
Adel Amrouche of Tanzania was the first coach to suffer the unfortunate fate of dismissal due to the African Cup of Nations 2023.
He was relieved of his duties after just one match in the group stage.
Jean-Louis Gasset (Ivory Coast)
Although Ivory Coast started the tournament well with a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, they subsequently suffered defeats against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, leading to the dismissal of head coach Jean-Louis Gasset, despite still having chances to qualify.
Tom Saintfiet (Gambia)
Gambia failed to advance to the round of 16, finishing at the bottom of their group without securing any points.
Consequently, the Gambian Football Federation announced, through an official statement, the departure of the Belgian coach.
The 2023 African Cup of Nations has seen its fair share of coaching casualties, highlighting the high stakes and intense competition in one of Africa’s most prestigious football tournaments.
