African coaches have firmly stamped their authority on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the semi-final lineup guaranteeing that an African tactician will lift the trophy for the fourth consecutive edition.
The trend continues a remarkable run of success for homegrown managers.
Djamel Belmadi guided Algeria to the 2019 title, Aliou Cissé delivered Senegal’s historic first crown in 2021, while Émerse Faé masterminded Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph in 2023.
This year, Walid Regragui (Morocco), Hossam Hassan (Egypt), Pape Thiaw (Senegal), and Eric Chelle (Mali), who is leading Nigeria’s Super Eagles, now stand one step away from extending that proud legacy.
Significantly, AFCON 2025 marks the first time in the tournament’s history that all four semi-finalists are coached by Africans.
The numbers highlight the impact of indigenous expertise.
Of the 24 teams at the tournament, 15 were led by African coaches, 11 progressed beyond the group stage, and African-led sides account for 75 percent of all victories so far.
Only two African icons—Mahmoud El-Gohary and Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi—have won the AFCON both as players and coaches.
Egypt legend Hossam Hassan could join this exclusive club if he leads the Pharaohs to glory.
However, his quest faces a major test on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, when Egypt clash with defending champions Senegal in the semi-finals.
The second last-four encounter will see Nigeria’s Super Eagles take on host nation Morocco’s Atlas Lions in Rabat, as Africa’s coaching excellence takes centre stage once again.
Reporting by Kelechi Bernard