History at AFCON: For the first time, four African coaches reach the semis

Believe it or not, for the first time in the Africa Cup of Nations history, each of the four semi-finalists are led from the bench by an African manager!

At the same time, this edition of the AFCON will continue the reign of strategists from the "mother continent" as the previous three tournaments haven't been won by a non-African coach.

The last one to do it was the current South Africa boss, the Belgian Hugo Broos, who won the 2017 AFCON with Cameroon, beating Egypt, led by the Argentinian Hector Cuper, 2-1 in the grand final.

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Since then, Algeria, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast have been the continental champions with domestic managers on their benches: Djamel Belmadi, Aliou Cisse, and Emerse Fae, respectively.

Nine out of the 24 strategists at the 2025 AFCON were non-African, but only five advanced from the group stage. The last two men standing - both eliminated in the quarter-finals - were Algeria boss, Vladimir Petkovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Mali manager, Tom Saintfiet (Belgium).

Hence, one of the four remaining names - Pape Thiaw (Senegal), Hossam Hassan (Egypt), Eric Chelle (Nigeria), and Walid Regragui (Morocco) - will continue African coaches' AFCON winning spree.

During the first two decades of the century, hiring a foreign national team coach was some sort of trend. Nevertheless, these four "torchbearers" have now proven that these days are over and that African managers deserve trust.

This continuity demonstrates the quality of tacticians from the "mother continent," including their vision, tactical proficiency, authority, and leadership skills. However, the most essential component is their ability to create a strong bond and good relationship with African players, as they too were born and raised in the same country or continent.

Speaking to the Nigerian Premium Times, all four semi-finalists' coaches shared their impressions about this incredible achievement and historic campaign for strategists from Africa.

"We trust our ideas and our players. African coaches understand the mentality needed to win here," said the Moroccan Regragui, while the Senegal boss Thiaw highlighted the understanding between managers and players.

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"We understand our players, our environment and the rhythm of African football," he stated.

Egypt head coach Hassan pointed out the African tacticians' quality, claiming that "this shows African coaches can manage pressure and deliver results at the highest level," while the Malian on Nigeria's bench, Chelle, underlined the support as one of the keys.

"African coaches are no longer learning; we are leading and setting standards. When given support, African coaches can build teams that compete with anyone," the Super Eagles' boss remarked.

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Except for being recorded in history books, the 2025 AFCON could be a turning point, after which managers from Africa would receive more opportunities in world-class leagues.

At the moment, the only African strategist in the top five European leagues is Rennes boss, the Senegalese Habib Beye. Way too little.

Hopefully, the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations will change the perspective of major clubs, as African coaches have proven that they deserve a chance on the big stage.

AFCON 2025 - 1/2 FINALS

Wednesday

20.00: (2.15) Senegal (3.20) Egypt (3.70)

23.00: (3.25) Nigeria (3.25) Morocco (2.30)

***odds are subject to change***