Amrouche becomes first coach to be fired at AFCON 2023

By Mark Ogagan

Adel Amrouche has become the first coach to be fired at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Tanzanian Football Federation sacked the Algerian, who was Head Coach of the Taifa Stars on Friday after CAF handed him an eight-match ban.

The ban follows Amrouche’s controversial remarks about Morocco, after the Atlas Lions had beaten Tanzania 3-0 in their opening AFCON Group F game in Cote d’Ivoire.

Amrouche, who was in charge of the Tanzania team for their match against Morocco, claimed the North African nation influence African football, including officials like referees.

The comments were not well received by Moroccan fans, and in a sharp reaction, CAF handed Amrouche an eight-match ban and a $10,000 fine. Amrouche made those comments in an interview with an Algerian TV earlier this week.

In a statement, the Tanzania Football Federation said CAF banned the Algerian for eight matches after the Moroccan federation filed a complaint against the coach.

The Tanzanian team will now be led by Hemed Morocco and Juma Mgunda in their remaining group matches.

Zambia takes on Tanzania in the 2023 AFCON Group ‘F’ match to be played on Sunday.

The match will be played at Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.