Quarterfinals : African Coaches Thrive

African-born coaches are making remarkable strides at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, guiding the majority of teams that have reached the quarterfinals. Specifically, six of the eight re- maining teams are led by African tacticians, with just two coached by non-Africans. This marks a sharp contrast to the early editions of the tournament, when African coaches were few and rarely advanced this far. Times have clearly changed. Emerse Faé, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to victory at the last Africa Cup of Nations, remains in contention for continental glory after eliminating Burkina Faso to secure a quarterfinals berth. Critics who dismissed his success in the previous edition as mere trial and error; pointing to Côte d’Ivoire’s dramatic home triumph; have been proven wrong. Faé not only qualified the Elephants for the 2026 World Cup but has now steered them into the quarterfinals of this AFCON, once again emerging as one of the favourites for the title. Côte d’Ivoire will face the continent’s most decorated team, Egypt, coached by compatriot Hossam Hassan. The former Egyptian international epitomises patriotism, with his ani- mated touchline presence; constantly shouting instructions; reflecting his deep commitment to the national cause. Five-time champions Cameroon, takes on host nation Mo- rocco in another intriguing quarterfinals. Cameroon’s David Pagou has demonstrated that homegrown coaches can suc- cessfully manage senior national teams. The Indomitable Lions’ unexpected journey to this stage has been impressive. Morocco’s Walid Regragui continues to mirror that success with his own side. After guiding the Atlas Lions to a historic semifinals finish at the 2022 World Cup, Regragui has once again led his team confidently into the AFCON quarterfi- nals. Senegal, too, has placed strong faith in its homegrown coa- ching talent. Aliou Cissé delivered the nation’s first-ever AFCON title in 2021 in Cameroon, and following his departure, Pape Thiaw took over. The Senegalese tactician is currently steering one of the tournament’s strongest sides, with rea- ching the quarterfinals already a significant achievement he hopes to buil...