Jean-Paul Abalo Dosseh Appointed as New Head Coach of Togo’s National Football Team
Togo has officially chosen Jean-Paul Abalo Dosseh as the new head coach of the national team, the Hawks, in a decision confirmed by internal sources close to the country’s Technical Committee. The former national team captain was selected from a shortlist of five candidates as the successor to Didier Six, and is expected to bring a new sense of purpose and leadership to the side ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Abalo, who is set to sign a nine-month contract running through the conclusion of the AFCON tournament in Morocco, will have the opportunity to extend his tenure based on his performance. His primary objective is clear: secure Togo’s qualification for the 2015 continental showpiece.
The official announcement of his appointment is expected in the coming days. Once confirmed, Abalo will begin assembling his technical staff to prepare for the qualification campaign.
A revered figure in Togolese football, Jean-Paul Abalo Dosseh is no stranger to the national team. He earned 67 caps over a 16-year international career, scoring one goal and playing a key role in some of Togo’s most historic moments. Most notably, he captained the national side during their debut appearance at a FIFA World Cup in 2006 in Germany—a landmark event in Togolese football history.
As a player, Abalo was known for his commanding presence as a central defender. He spent the majority of his club career with Amiens SC in France, where he reached the Coupe de France final in 2001. He also had stints with APOEL Nicosia and Ethnikos Asteras in Cyprus, before finishing his career at Sudanese club Al Merreikh Omdurman, where he reached the CAF Cup final in 2007.
Since retiring from playing, Abalo has remained involved in the sport, earning his coaching badges and managing French amateur side FC Déols in the Division d’Honneur. His hands-on experience and familiarity with both African and European football systems are seen as valuable assets as he steps into his first major national coaching role.
Togo’s decision to appoint a former player as national coach reflects a broader trend across African football, where many countries are placing trust in former internationals to lead their teams. With intimate knowledge of the pressures of international football and a deep-rooted connection to the team, Abalo is well-positioned to inspire a new generation of Togolese players.
Supporters and stakeholders in Togolese football will now look to the former captain with hope and expectation. His leadership on the pitch was once a unifying force for the Hawks—now, as head coach, Jean-Paul Abalo Dosseh has the opportunity to guide Togo back to the heights of African football.
