AFCON 2025: Another coach sacked after Trabelsi despite last 16 finish

The fallout from AFCON 2025 continues as Burkina Faso have parted ways with head coach Brama Traoré following their disappointing Round of 16 exit, making him the second managerial casualty of the tournament after Tunisia fired Sami Trabelsi earlier this week.

Traoré, 63, guided his side to second place in their group but saw hopes of a deep run crushed by a 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in the first knockout round. The Burkinabe Football Federation confirmed the decision on Wednesday, citing results that fell “far short of the objectives set for the national team.”

“Following a thorough analysis of Burkina Faso’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, it has been decided to terminate collaboration with the national coach Brama Traoré, as well as his entire technical staff,” read the statement.
“The clearly established objective before the start of AFCON was to reach at least the semi-finals, in line with the positive momentum achieved in previous editions.”

Traoré had been in charge for 22 months, but his dismissal follows that of Tunisia’s Sami Trabelsi, who was sacked after a shock penalty shootout defeat to 10-man Mali in the Round of 16. The Tunisian Football Federation acted swiftly, citing the need to “restore competitiveness” ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With two coaches already gone, pressure mounts on other nations that underperformed in Morocco. More changes could follow as federations review their AFCON campaigns.

Tunisia Acted First

Burkina Faso’s decision follows Tunisia’s swift move to sack Sami Trabelsi after their shock penalty shootout defeat to 10-man Mali in the Round of 16. The Tunisian Football Federation said the change was necessary to “restore competitiveness” ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Tunisia face a daunting Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and the UEFA playoff winner.

Trabelsi’s exit came amid public criticism from players, including Burnley star Hannibal Mejbri, who called for a complete overhaul of Tunisian football structures:

“We are behind in our football… we are lagging in so many areas. Everyone responsible needs to sit down and start from scratch,” Mejbri told RMC Sport.

More Sackings Loom?

With two coaches already gone, pressure is mounting on other nations that underperformed in Morocco. Botswana, Cameroon and DR Congo are among teams whose campaigns ended in disappointment, and their federations are expected to review coaching positions in the coming weeks.

Who Could Replace Them?

For Tunisia, early reports link Mouin Chaâbani (currently at RS Berkane), Moroccan tactician Hussein Ammouta, and former OGC Nice boss Franck Haise as leading candidates. In a sensational twist, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have also been mentioned as high-profile options.

Burkina Faso’s shortlist is expected to focus on local talent and experienced African coaches, though no names have been confirmed yet.