AFCON 2025 Shockwave: Five Coaches Fired Days To Kick-Off

By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI

WITH the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just days away, five national teams have sacked their head coaches in a stunning wave of last-minute shakeups that has unsettled tournament preparations.

The affected coaches are Hemed Suleiman (Tanzania), Avram Grant (Zambia), Michael Nees (Zimbabwe), Pedro Gonçalves (Angola), and Marc Brys (Cameroon). Their dismissals, announced in quick succession, point to deep-seated pressure within football federations desperate for strong AFCON performances.

The timing has raised concerns among analysts, who warn that sudden leadership changes could disrupt team cohesion, tactical planning, and player confidence. New coaching crews must now step in under intense pressure, with little time to adjust strategies before the competition begins.

As AFCON 2025 kicks off later this month in Morocco, attention will turn to how these teams adapt—and whether their risky last-minute gambles will pay off on Africa’s biggest football stage.