The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations marks a major turning point in the history of continental football. For the first time in several editions, all four teams qualified for the semi-finals are managed by African coaches. This is a strong signal that confirms the continent's growing influence in the field of sports management.

Walid Regragui (Morocco), Éric Sékou Chelle (Nigeria), Pape Thiès (Senegal), and Hossam Hassan (Egypt) led their respective national teams to the semi-finals thanks to solid campaigns marked by tactical rigor, discipline, and a deep understanding of African football. These coaches were able to impose their vision, manage pressure, and get the best out of their players, often against teams managed by European coaches.

This collective success illustrates the remarkable evolution of African football. Long considered dependent on foreign expertise, the continent is now demonstrating that it possesses local talent capable of competing at the highest level. African coaches are no longer mere symbolic figures, but true strategists, trained, experienced, and respected on the international stage.

This phenomenon is not new. For several years now, African coaches have been making their mark in major competitions. In 2019, Algerian Djamel Belmadi won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Fennecs. In 2021, Aliou Cissé led Senegal to its first continental title. In 2023, Emerse Faé guided Ivory Coast to victory on home soil. And today, the trend continues: an African coach is virtually guaranteed to lift the trophy.

Beyond the sporting result, this dominance symbolizes a shift in mentality. African federations are now placing more trust in their own staff, investing in local training, and valuing internal expertise. This dynamic offers hope for the future of African football.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will therefore be remembered as the tournament that crowned African coaches. A victory of local expertise over preconceived notions, and above all, proof that Africa is progressing, growing, and establishing itself in modern sports management.