Amir Abdou : The Magician

The head coach of Mauritania has played a vital role in the qualification of the Mauritanian team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.  A key figure in this success, the 51-year-old coach emphasises the sacrifices made by his charges. Amir Abdou never presents himself as a miracle worker, just a hard worker. After his first Africa Cup of Nations with the Comoros in 2022, the Marseille-born coach has just qualified Mauritania for their third Africa Cup of Nations, and by playing in two consecutive Africa Cups of Nations with two different nations, Amir Abdou has entered a very select circle. 
The 51-year-old gaffer masters his team and knows which players to field in positions during a match. With him, the Comoros qualified for the African Cup of Nations in 2021 for the first time. He el...