The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is not just a tournament, it’s a celebration of African football, showcasing the continent’s rich talent and passionate spirit. Among the heroes of this prestigious competition are the coaches, the masterminds behind the scenes, orchestrating their teams’ paths to glory.
In this article, we celebrate the African coaches who have etched their names in history by leading their teams to lift the coveted AFCON trophy.
Emerse Fae – A new chapter in AFCON history
The latest addition to this esteemed list is Emerse Fae, who guided Cote d’Ivoire to their third continental title at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. In a thrilling final at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Fae’s team staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1, securing victory on February 11.
Fae’s triumph is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the rising prominence of African coaches in the world of football.
The journey of African coaches in AFCON began with Mourad Fahmy of Egypt, who led his team to victory in the inaugural tournament in 1957. Since then, a select group of tacticians has followed in his footsteps, shaping the destiny of their teams on the grandest stage of African football.
Charles Gyamfi of Ghana is a notable figure, having lifted the trophy three times in 1963, 1965, and 1978, a feat that showcases his enduring legacy in Ghanaian football.
The golden era of Egyptian dominance and the rise of new champions
Egyptian coaches have had a significant impact on AFCON history, with Hassan Shehata standing out as a legendary figure. Shehata led Egypt to an unprecedented three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010, a testament to his tactical genius and leadership.
His contributions have cemented Egypt’s status as a powerhouse in African football. In recent years, new names have emerged to continue the tradition of African coaches triumphing in AFCON. Stephen Keshi of Nigeria broke barriers in 2013, becoming one of the few to win the tournament both as a player and a coach.
Djamel Belmadi of Algeria and Aliou Cisse of Senegal further exemplify the diversity and talent of African coaches, leading their teams to glory in 2019 and 2021, respectively.
The future of African coaching
As the AFCON tournament evolves, so does the role of African coaches. Emerse Fae’s victory in 2023 is a sign of the times, highlighting the growing recognition and respect for African tacticians on the global stage.
With Morocco set to host the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, the stage is set for new heroes to emerge, continuing the proud tradition of African coaches who have led their teams to lift the AFCON trophy.