It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Bruno Metsu. A highly regarded football coach, Metsu played a crucial role in leading Senegal to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, a historic achievement for the African nation. He also guided the team to the final of the African Cup of Nations in Mali the same year, narrowly losing to Cameroon in a penalty shootout.
Metsu, who battled stomach cancer for several years, passed away at the age of 59 in a hospital near Dunkirk, France, his native country. Following his success with Senegal, he continued his coaching career in the Persian Gulf, managing clubs such as Al-Ayn in the United Arab Emirates and the Qatar national team. He also took charge of Al-Wasl in Dubai, succeeding Diego Maradona in 2012, but had to resign a year later due to his health issues.
Bruno Metsu’s contributions to football, especially in Africa, are remembered, and his legacy as a coach who achieved remarkable milestones will endure. May he rest in peace.
