With just two days to go until the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, attention is turning beyond the players and towards the minds shaping the tournament from the touchline.
From homegrown tacticians to globe-trotting veterans, AFCON 2025 brings together a unique blend of philosophies, cultures and leadership styles.
These 24 coaches represent Africa’s diversity in every sense – shaped by different footballing schools, personal journeys and ambitions.
In Morocco, they will compete not only for results, but for identity, belief and legacy. This is AFCON. We Are Different.
Algeria – Vladimir Petković
A cosmopolitan coach with European pedigree, Vladimir Petković was appointed to steady Algeria after recent disappointments. Despite arriving with no African experience, the former Switzerland coach has restored discipline and belief, guiding the Fennecs to AFCON and World Cup qualification, and bringing renewed structure to a proud footballing nation.
Angola – Patrice Beaumelle
Patrice Beaumelle brings deep African experience shaped alongside Hervé Renard, with AFCON triumphs for Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire on his résumé. Now leading Angola, the Frenchman blends tactical clarity with tournament know-how as the Palancas Negras look to punch above their weight.
Benin – Gernot Rohr
A familiar face on the continent, German coach Gernot Rohr continues his African journey with Benin. The former Nigeria coach, who guided the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup, is tasked with rebuilding the Squirrels using structure, discipline and experience drawn from decades at the top level.
Botswana – Morena Ramoreboli
Morena Ramoreboli represents the rise of African coaching excellence. After domestic success with Jwaneng Galaxy, the South African now leads Botswana back to AFCON after 13 years, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to announce itself once more on the continental stage.
Burkina Faso – Brama Traoré
A former Stallions midfielder nicknamed “The Professor,” Brama Traoré embodies tactical intelligence and national pride. Promoted from within, he becomes one of the few Burkinabè coaches to lead the senior team, continuing a tradition of discipline and collective strength.
Cameroon – David Pagou
Charged with restoring identity to the Indomitable Lions, David Pagou is focused on organisation and defensive solidity. His mission is clear: rebuild cohesion, integrate youth, and guide Cameroon back to the standards demanded by a five-time African champion.
Comoros – Stefano Cusin
Stefano Cusin has engineered one of AFCON’s most compelling stories. Under his guidance, Comoros qualified unbeaten, continuing a remarkable rise built on discipline, belief and tactical structure. For the Coelacanths, simply being here is no longer enough.
Cote d’Ivoire – Emerse Faé
From interim appointment to national hero, Emerse Faé authored one of AFCON’s greatest redemption stories in 2023. Now fully in charge, the former midfielder seeks to prove that Cote d’Ivoire’s triumph was the start of a new era, not a one-off miracle.
DR Congo – Sébastien Desabre
An Africa specialist, Frenchman Sébastien Desabre has transformed DR Congo into a competitive force. Semi-finalists in 2023 and chasing a World Cup return, the Frenchman’s deep continental knowledge underpins the Leopards’ renewed ambition.
Egypt – Hossam Hassan
A living legend of Egyptian football, Hossam Hassan now leads the Pharaohs from the bench. His appointment has brought passion, debate and expectation, as Egypt chase an eighth continental crown under one of their greatest-ever players.
Equatorial Guinea – Juan Micha
Juan Micha has overseen unprecedented stability for Equatorial Guinea. Three consecutive AFCON qualifications underline his long-term project, built patiently from youth development to senior success, proving continuity can compete with giants.
Gabon – Thierry Mouyouma
A former international defender, Thierry Mouyouma is one of Africa’s rare homegrown national coaches. He led Gabon back to AFCON and carries the responsibility of balancing local pride with continental ambition.
Mali – Tom Saintfiet
Tom Saintfiet’s career spans continents and cultures. Now at Mali, the Belgian tactician brings adaptability and tactical intelligence, guiding the Eagles into yet another AFCON with eyes firmly set on a deep run.
Morocco – Walid Regragui
A symbol of modern African coaching, Walid Regragui carries the weight of expectation on home soil. World Cup history-maker in 2022, his mission is clear: deliver Morocco’s first AFCON title since 1976 in front of a nation united behind him.
Mozambique – Chiquinho Conde
Chiquinho Conde has reshaped Mozambique’s identity. Under his leadership, the Mambas are no longer outsiders, but a team built on belief, organisation and the confidence earned from competing toe-to-toe with Africa’s elite.
Nigeria – Eric Chelle
Appointed in a period of transition, Eric Chelle faces immense pressure with Nigeria. After World Cup qualification heartbreak, AFCON represents both redemption and judgement for a coach tasked with reviving one of Africa’s biggest footballing brands.
Senegal – Pape Thiaw
A former Lions striker turned calm leader, Pape Thiaw has guided Senegal smoothly into a post-Aliou Cissé era. With continental and world ambitions intact, he represents continuity, balance and quiet authority.
South Africa – Hugo Broos
AFCON winner with Cameroon in 2017, Hugo Broos has revived Bafana Bafana with belief and structure. Third place in 2023 and World Cup qualification underline the Belgian’s impact as South Africa aim to rise again.
Sudan – James Kwesi Appiah
James Kwesi Appiah’s qualification of Sudan ahead of Ghana was one of AFCON’s great qualifying stories. A seasoned African tactician, the Ghanaian returns to the spotlight with a team built on resilience and tactical clarity.
Tanzania – Miguel Gamondi
A true Argentine football nomad, Miguel Gamondi arrives with vast African experience. Appointed just weeks before the tournament, he is tasked with restoring confidence and competitiveness to the Taifa Stars.
Tunisia – Sami Trabelsi
Back at the helm after a decade away, Sami Trabelsi blends familiarity with ambition. World Cup qualification success has raised expectations as Tunisia look to translate consistency into continental success.
Uganda – Paul Put
Paul Put brings vast African Cup of Nations experience to Uganda, having built a reputation as a coach who can organise teams to punch above their weight. The Belgian is best remembered for guiding Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final, a landmark achievement that established him as a respected tournament specialist.
Zambia – Moses Sichone
A former Chipolopolo defender, Moses Sichone steps in at a critical moment. With a reinforced technical team, he aims to rebuild belief and competitiveness as Zambia seek to reconnect with their proud AFCON history.
Zimbabwe – Marian Marinica
A seasoned international coach, Marian Marinica brings global experience to a rebuilding Zimbabwe. His challenge is to inject structure and belief into a squad eager to reassert itself after difficult qualifying campaigns.
