With just one day to go until the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, attention is shifting beyond the star players to the tacticians on the touchline.
Twenty-four coaches, drawn from across Africa and beyond, will compete for one trophy, each carrying the hopes, identities and ambitions of their nations.
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From homegrown leaders to experienced European campaigners, AFCON 2025 presents a rich mix of philosophies, backgrounds and leadership styles.
These coaches are not only chasing results, but also seeking to define legacies, restore pride and shape the future of their teams on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Algeria – Vladimir Petković
The former Switzerland coach has restored structure and belief to the Fennecs, guiding them back to AFCON and World Cup qualification despite limited prior African experience.
Angola – Patrice Beaumelle
A proven AFCON winner as an assistant, Beaumelle brings tournament know-how and tactical clarity as Angola look to exceed expectations.
Benin – Gernot Rohr
The ex-Nigeria coach continues his African journey, tasked with rebuilding Benin through discipline and organisation.
Botswana – Morena Ramoreboli
A symbol of rising African coaching talent, Ramoreboli has led Botswana back to AFCON after 13 years away.
Burkina Faso – Brama Traoré
Nicknamed “The Professor,” the former international embodies tactical intelligence and national pride.
Cameroon – David Pagou
Charged with restoring cohesion and defensive solidity to the five-time champions.
Comoros – Stefano Cusin
Architect of Comoros’ remarkable rise, leading them into the tournament unbeaten in qualification.
Côte d’Ivoire – Emerse Faé
AFCON 2023 hero now seeks to prove that his fairytale triumph marked the beginning of a new era.
DR Congo – Sébastien Desabre
A seasoned Africa specialist who has transformed the Leopards into consistent contenders.
Egypt – Hossam Hassan
An Egyptian football legend chasing an eighth AFCON title from the bench.
Equatorial Guinea – Juan Micha
Overseeing long-term stability, with three consecutive AFCON qualifications.
Gabon – Thierry Mouyouma
One of the continent’s few homegrown national coaches, balancing pride and ambition.
Mali – Tom Saintfiet
The Belgian nomad brings adaptability and tactical discipline as Mali eye a deep run.
Morocco – Walid Regragui
On home soil, the World Cup history-maker carries the hopes of a nation seeking its first AFCON title since 1976.
Mozambique – Chiquinho Conde
Has reshaped Mozambique into a confident, competitive force.
Nigeria – Eric Chelle
Under pressure following World Cup qualification disappointment, AFCON offers both redemption and judgement.
Senegal – Pape Thiaw
Guiding the Lions smoothly into a new era with calm authority and continuity.
South Africa – Hugo Broos
AFCON winner in 2017, credited with reviving Bafana Bafana’s belief and structure.
Sudan – James Kwesi Appiah
Led Sudan to qualification at Ghana’s expense, showcasing tactical clarity and resilience.
Tanzania – Miguel Gamondi
Appointed shortly before the tournament, tasked with restoring competitiveness.
Tunisia – Sami Trabelsi
Back in charge after a decade, aiming to turn consistency into continental success.
Uganda – Paul Put
An AFCON specialist remembered for guiding Burkina Faso to the 2013 final.
Zambia – Moses Sichone
Former international defender stepping in to rebuild belief and reconnect with Zambia’s proud AFCON history.
Zimbabwe – Marian Marinica
Brings global experience to a rebuilding side seeking renewed structure and confidence.
