Top six managers to watch out for at AFCON 2023

A closer look at the best coaches to watch at the Africa Cup of Nations

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, not only for the intense competition on the field but also for the strategic minds leading the top teams. The tournament will showcase the talents of some of the best football coaches in the world, each bringing a unique blend of experience, skill, and vision to the game. Here we’ll look into the profiles of the top six coaches who are set to leave an indelible mark on AFCON 2023.

6. Jose Peseiro – Nigeria (63 Years)

Taking the reins of the Super Eagles in May 2022, Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro brings a wealth of experience to the Nigerian national team. Having previously managed prominent clubs such as Sporting CP and FC Porto, Peseiro’s coaching journey has also extended to the international stage with his tenure as the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team.

Peseiro’s monthly salary of €70,000 reflects the confidence placed in him by the Nigerian Football Federation. As the Super Eagles aim for their fourth continental crown, all eyes will be on Peseiro’s strategic prowess and his ability to harness the talents of the Nigerian squad.

5. Jean Louis Gasset – Ivory Coast (70 Years)

The seasoned French ex-midfielder, Jean Louis Gasset, at 70 years old, is set to guide the Ivory Coast national team through the AFCON 2023. Gasset’s coaching journey includes a successful stint with Saint-Étienne, where he turned the team’s fortunes around, securing a place in the UEFA Europa League.

Despite disputes over transfer budgets, Gasset’s impressive coaching record and strategic acumen have earned him a monthly salary of €108,000 with the Ivory Coast. AFCON 2023 will be a test of his ability to lead the Elephants to glory and cement his legacy in African football.

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4. Rui Vitoria – Egypt (53 Years)

Portuguese manager Rui Vitoria took charge of the Egyptian national team on July 12, 2022, marking a new chapter in his coaching career. With prior managerial roles at Benfica, Al Nassr, and Spartak Moscow, Vitoria boasts an impressive CV, including consecutive Primeira Liga titles with Benfica.

Having won 12 out of 14 games with Egypt, Vitoria is off to a strong start. The 53-year-old tactician aims to guide the Pharaohs to success in AFCON 2023 after their heartbreak in the previous edition. His managerial skills and experience make him a coach to watch in the tournament.

3. Djamel Belmadi – Algeria (46 Years)

Algerian national team manager Djamel Belmadi has already left an indelible mark on the nation’s football history. Taking the helm in 2018, Belmadi led Algeria to victory in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, securing his country’s first international trophy in decades.

Belmadi’s team dominated the 2019 AFCON, defeating strong opponents like Senegal in both the group stage and the final. As the highest-paid coach in the tournament with a monthly salary of €208,000, all eyes will be on Belmadi as he aims to replicate his past success and guide Algeria to another triumph.

Also Read: Top five favourites to win AFCON 2023: Ranked

2. Walid Regragui – Morocco (48 Years)

Morocco‘s coach, Walid Regragui, has earned his place among the top coaches to watch after guiding the national team to the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Achieving a quarter-final spot with a penalty shootout victory over Spain, Regragui aims to break the “curse of the African Cup” for Morocco, which hasn’t won the continental competition in 47 years.

With a unique blend of experience and recent success, Regragui’s strategic approach will be crucial for Morocco’s chances in AFCON 2023. After reaching the World Cup semifinals, Morocco is now considered one of the favourites to lift the AFCON title in Ivory Coast.

1. Aliou Cissé – Senegal (47 Years)

Defending champions Senegal will be under the guidance of 47-year-old Aliou Cissé, a former Senegalese international known for his defensive rigour. Cissé’s football journey has taken him from playing for various French and English clubs to winning the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations as a coach in 2021.

Cissé’s historic achievement with Senegal in 2021, securing their first AFCON title, has raised expectations for AFCON 2023. With a unique opportunity to retain the title, Cissé’s coaching prowess and dedication to Senegalese football make him a captivating figure in the upcoming tournament.

AFCON 2023 promises to be a stage where these six coaches will showcase their tactical brilliance and leadership skills. As they guide their respective teams through the highs and lows of the tournament, football enthusiasts can expect an exciting blend of experience, passion, and strategy from these managerial maestros. The battle for AFCON glory will not just be on the pitch; it will be equally compelling in the minds of these coaches as they seek to etch their names in African football history.

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