Here is a list of popular coaches who have lost their jobs so far in the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 2023 AFCON has been marked by unpredictability and noteworthy moments, with some managers facing the consequences as their teams failed to advance to the knockout stage. This tournament edition stands out for the unusually high number of coaching changes, as several head coaches were relieved of their duties.
Among the notable coaching casualties are Chris Hughton from Ghana, Djamel Belmadi from Algeria, Adel Amrouche from Tanzania, and Jean-Louis Gasset from the host nation, Ivory Coast. Additionally, Tom Saintfiet of Gambia resigned following his team’s group stage exit. The departure of Kadri marks the sixth coaching change in a tournament filled with surprising outcomes.
As the 2023 AFCON transitions into a critical knockout stage, the spotlight remains on these six coaches who saw their tenure come to an end during the group stage matches.
Popular Coaches Who Lost Their Jobs After 2023 AFCON
Chris Hughton
Following the elimination of the Black Stars from the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) took the decision to terminate the contract of head coach Chris Hughton.
Ghana’s campaign in the 2023 AFCON proved to be a letdown as they failed to secure victory in any of their three group stage matches. The Black Stars concluded their Group B fixtures in the third position with two points. Their performances included draws against Egypt and Mozambique, both ending in 2-2 stalemates, and a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in the opening match.
Chris Hughton, who assumed the role of head coach in 2023, guided the team to their first competitive appearance at AFCON. Unfortunately, the tournament marked one of Ghana’s poorest showings in AFCON history, a disappointment considering the esteemed legacy of the Black Stars.
Jean-Louis Gasset
The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) took decisive action by dismissing coach Jean-Louis Gasset following the national team’s significant 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite this resounding loss, Ivory Coast managed to secure a third-place finish in Group A with three points from three group stage matches. The team secured advancement to the knockout stage as one of the best four third-placed teams, offering them an opportunity to redeem their campaign.
The 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea marked the heaviest home loss in Ivory Coast’s history. In response to this setback, the Ivory Coast Football Federation appointed Emerse Fae, one of Gasset’s coaching staff, to serve on an interim basis as they navigate the challenges ahead in the tournament.
Djamel Belmadi
The Algeria Football Federation has decided to part ways with coach Djamel Belmadi following the elimination of the two-time winners from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Algeria’s unexpected 1-0 loss to Mauritania resulted in the 2019 champions finishing at the bottom of Group D.
This disappointing outcome marked Algeria’s second consecutive group stage exit, with their previous elimination occurring in the 2021 finals. Walid Sadi, president of Algeria’s football federation, announced the decision, stating, “I met with Djamel, and we reached an amicable agreement to dissolve the association. We thank Djamel for everything he did for the team and wish him good luck in the rest of his career.”
Djamel Belmadi, 47, had taken charge of the Desert Foxes in August 2018 and had extended his contract just a year ago, committing to remain in the coaching role until 2026.
Jalel Kadri
Jalel Kadri has stepped down from his position as coach of Tunisia in the wake of the team’s unexpected early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Tunisia concluded their campaign at the bottom of Group E with just two points.
Kadri, who had previously guided Tunisia to success in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they notably defeated France, announced his resignation during a post-match television interview following the 0-0 draw with South Africa. This result confirmed Tunisia’s elimination from the 2023 AFCON.
In his statement, Kadri expressed, “My mission at the head of the Tunisian national team is now over.” Tunisia’s disappointing group stage performance included a surprising opening loss to Namibia and a subsequent draw with Mali, contributing to their bottom-place finish with two points from three games.
Adel Amrouche
The Tanzanian Football Association took the lead in announcing the dismissal of their head coach, who had been handed an 8-match ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to controversial comments made about Morocco during the 2023 AFCON.
The CAF disciplinary committee had previously suspended Amrouche for eight matches and imposed a $10,000 fine in response to offensive remarks directed at Morocco. The disciplinary action came after officials from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) lodged a complaint with the CAF regarding the comments made by Amrouche.
Tom Saintfiet
Tom Saintfiet, the head coach of the Gambia national team, has resigned from his position following the team’s exit from the group stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The Gambia began their 2023 AFCON campaign with a challenging 3-0 defeat to defending champions Senegal, followed by a 1-0 loss to fellow West Africans Guinea. The 50-year-old Belgian coach announced his decision after the Gambia’s 3-2 loss to Cameroon in their final Group C game, a defeat that left his team at the bottom of Group C with no points, despite the excitement they brought to the tournament.
Saintfiet, who has coached various African national teams, had been in charge of the Gambia team since 2018. Under his leadership, the Gambia, situated on the west coast of Africa and surrounded by Senegal, achieved its first-ever Africa Cup qualification in 2021, reaching the quarterfinals of that tournament.
In response to his resignation, the Gambia Football Federation expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for your service, gaffer. Gambia will indeed miss a great tactician.”