AFCON Glory: African Coaches Who’ve Won The Trophy
AFCON Glory: Celebrating the Legacy of African Coaches
Behind the success of African national teams lie the visionary coaches who have led their nations to glory. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the remarkable achievements of the African coaches who have lifted the AFCON trophy throughout history.
Emerse Faé – 2023 (Cote d’Ivoire 🇨🇮)
Emerse Faé, a former professional footballer who transitioned into coaching, masterminded Cote d’Ivoire’s AFCON victory in 2023.
Born in France, Faé’s experience as a player for both the French and Ivorian national teams provided invaluable insight into guiding his team to triumph on the continental stage.
Aliou Cissé – 2021 (Senegal 🇸🇳)
Aliou Cissé, a Senegalese football legend, captained the Senegal team that reached the 2002 AFCON Final before leading them to victory as a coach in 2021.
Cissé’s journey exemplifies the seamless transition from player to coach, as he instilled a winning mentality and tactical prowess within his team, culminating in historic success for Senegalese football.
Djamel Belmadi – 2019 (Algeria 🇩🇿)
Djamel Belmadi, a former player for Algeria, showcased his leadership skills as he guided the Algerian national team to AFCON glory in 2019.
Born in France, Belmadi’s deep understanding of the game and his ability to motivate his players were instrumental in Algeria’s triumph, solidifying his status as a revered coach in African football.
Stephen Keshi – 2013 (Nigeria 🇳🇬)
Stephen Keshi, a Nigerian football icon, left an indelible mark on the AFCON stage, both as a player and as a coach.
Keshi’s illustrious career saw him captain Nigeria to victory in 1994 before guiding them to success as a coach in 2013.
His tactical acumen and ability to inspire greatness in his players made him a legendary figure in Nigerian football history.
Hassan Shehata – 2010, 2008, 2006 (Egypt 🇪🇬)
Hassan Shehata’s tenure as the head coach of the Egyptian national team marked a golden era in Egyptian football, as he led the Pharaohs to an unprecedented three consecutive AFCON titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Shehata’s strategic brilliance and meticulous preparation propelled Egypt to dominance on the continental stage, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in AFCON history.
Mohamed Al Gohari – 1998 (Egypt 🇪🇬)
Mohamed Al Gohari, a revered figure in Egyptian football, achieved AFCON glory as both a player and a coach.
Al Gohari’s tactical astuteness and profound understanding of the game guided Egypt to victory in 1998, further solidifying his legacy in Egyptian football history.
Clive Barker – 1996 (South Africa 🇿🇦)
Clive William Barker, a revered figure in South African football, etched his name in history by guiding the South African national team to their only African Nations Cup title in 1996.
Barker’s tactical genius and motivational prowess inspired a generation of South African footballers as they triumphed on the continental stage. His legacy as a coach continues to resonate within South African football circles, serving as a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
Charles Gyamfi – 1982 (Ghana 🇬🇭), 1965, 1963
Charles Gyamfi, a Ghanaian football legend, stands as one of the most decorated coaches in AFCON history.
Gyamfi’s triumphs as both a player and a coach exemplify his enduring impact on Ghanaian football, inspiring generations of players and coaches alike.
Charles Gyamfi, a legendary figure achieved a remarkable feat in the AFCON. Gyamfi holds the record for the most AFCON titles as a coach, claiming three victories (before Hassan Shehata equaled the record in 2006, 2008, & 2010).
Martial Yeo – 1992 (Cote d’Ivoire 🇨🇮)
Martial Yeo, an Ivorian football manager, led the Ivory Coast national team to their first AFCON title in 1992.
Yeo’s tactical prowess and emphasis on defensive solidity laid the foundation for his team’s success, earning him a revered place in Ivorian football history.
Abdelhamid Kermali – 1990 (Algeria 🇩🇿)
Abdelhamid Kermali, an Algerian football manager, guided Algeria to continental success in 1990.
Kermali’s tactical acumen and ability to galvanize his players were instrumental in Algeria’s triumph, cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in Algerian football.
Fred Osam Doudu – 1978 (Ghana 🇬🇭)
Frederick Osam-Duodu, a Ghanaian coach and FIFA instructor, led the Ghana national team to AFCON glory in 1978.
Osam-Duodu’s tactical innovation and motivational prowess inspired his team to victory, leaving an indelible mark on Ghanaian football.
Mourad Fahmy – 1957 (Egypt 🇪🇬)
Mourad Fahmy, an Egyptian football coach, played a pivotal role in Egypt’s inaugural AFCON victory in 1957.
Fahmy’s tactical astuteness and leadership laid the groundwork for Egypt’s success, establishing him as a trailblazer in Egyptian football history.
The only individuals to win AFCON both as a player and as a coach are:
- Mohamed Al Gohari (Egypt 🇪🇬):
- Won as a player in 1959.
- Won as a coach in 1998.
- Stephen Keshi (Nigeria 🇳🇬):
- Won as a player in 1994.
- Won as a coach in 2013.
The AFCON has been graced by the brilliance of visionary coaches who have left an indelible mark on African football.
From strategic masterminds to inspirational leaders, these coaches have shaped the course of football history on the continent.
As we celebrate their achievements, let us honor their legacy and the profound impact they have had on the beautiful game.
