AFCON 2025 African coaches reach a historic milestone as all four semi-finalists are led by homegrown tacticians

For the first time in Africa Cup of Nations history, all four semi-finalists at the 2025 tournament are led by African coaches, guaranteeing another title for a homegrown tactician.

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The landmark achievement was confirmed at AFCON 2025, sponsored by 1XBET, following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches across host venues.

Morocco’s Walid Regragui, Egypt’s Hossam Hassan, Senegal’s Pape Thiaw and Mali coach Eric Chelle, who is leading Nigeria at the tournament, have guided their teams into the last four, underlining a decisive shift in African football leadership.

The development ensures a fourth consecutive AFCON title for an African coach, following triumphs by Djamel Belmadi in 2019, Aliou Cissé in 2021 and Émerse Faé in 2023.

Tournament data further reflects the growing authority of local managers.

Of the 24 teams that qualified for AFCON 2025, 15 were coached by Africans, with 11 advancing beyond the group stage. African-led teams have recorded 75 per cent of all victories so far.

Beyond results, cohesion, tactical discipline and cultural intelligence have emerged as defining strengths of African managers at the competition.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said belief in identity remained central to his approach.

“We trust our ideas and our players. African coaches understand the mentality needed to win here,” Regragui said, adding that home support had strengthened his squad’s confidence.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan described the moment as a powerful statement for African football.

“This shows African coaches can manage pressure and deliver results at the highest level,” Hassan said.

Hassan, an AFCON winner as a player, is seeking to join Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egypt and Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi as the only men to win the tournament both as player and coach.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw credited local knowledge for his team’s consistency.

“We understand our players, our environment and the rhythm of African football,” Thiaw said.

Eric Chelle described the semi-final milestone as evidence of maturity within the continent’s coaching ranks.

“African coaches are no longer learning. We are leading and setting standards,” Chelle said, stressing the importance of institutional trust and long-term support.

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As AFCON 2025 enters its decisive phase, the success of AFCON 2025 African coaches has become one of the tournament’s defining narratives, marking a confident and historic moment for the continent’s football identity.