African Coaches Rule AFCON

The script for AFCON glory has taken a thrilling turn. For the past three editions, the coveted trophy has been lifted by teams led by local coaches, rewriting the narrative and showcasing the flourishing talent within the continent.
The 2023 edition saw another local hero emerge: Côte d'Ivoire's Emerse Fae. Stepping in as interim coach after the firing of Coach Jean Louis-Gasset, Fae displayed remarkable composure. He led the Elephants to a stunning upset over Senegal in the Round of 16, followed by crucial victories against Mali as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo and ultimately, Nigeria in the final. His calm leadership and tactical adjustments proved decisive, etching his name in Ivorian football history. 
Coach Aliou Cissé's story took a triumphant turn in 2021. Having fallen short in 2019, he persevered, meticulously building cohesion within his Senegalese team. His dedication paid off in 2021, delivering Senegal's first-ever AFCON title with a dramatic victory over Egypt. This triumph was particularly touching for Cissé, having narrowly missed the trophy as a player.
The 2019 final was a rare moment. For the first time in decades, the final pitted two locals; as tacticians: Algeria's Djamel Belmadi and Senegal's Aliou Cissé. Belmadi, a midfield maestro in his playing days, orchestrated a ruthless Algeria side, squeezing the best out of his talented squad. His tactical intelligence and unwaverin...