AFCON 2025: African Coaches Make History as All Semi-Finalists Led by Homegrown Managers

For the first time in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history, all four semi-finalists at the 2025 edition are led by African coaches, guaranteeing that the trophy will be lifted by a homegrown tactician for the fourth consecutive tournament.

 This milestone underscores a powerful trend: African coaches are no longer just competing at the highest level; they are shaping the future of the game on the continent.

The Rise of Homegrown Coaches

Recent tournaments have showcased this trend. Djamel Belmadi guided Algeria to glory in 2019, Aliou Cissé delivered Senegal’s first-ever AFCON crown in 2021, and Émerse Fae masterminded Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph in 2023.

Now, AFCON 2025 continues this legacy, proving that African coaches bring tactical intelligence, cultural understanding, and leadership that resonates deeply with their squads.

Each success showcased the tactical intelligence, cultural understanding, and leadership that local coaches bring to their teams.

Now, in 2025, the spotlight falls on Walid Regragui (Morocco), Hossam Hassan (Egypt), Pape Thiaw (Senegal), and Eric Chelle (Mali) all vying to continue this proud legacy and reinforce the dominance of African managers on the continental stage.

Numbers Tell the Story

The statistics from AFCON 2025 underline this shift:

• 15 of 24 teams were led by African coaches.
• 11 advanced beyond the group stage.
• African-led teams have claimed 75% of all wins so far.

Where to Watch AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals

Fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport, beIN Sports, and CAF TV (YouTube) for selected regions. Streaming options include DStv Stream and official CAF digital platforms. Kick-off times and broadcast schedules will be confirmed closer to match day, so stay tuned for updates.