AFCON 2023: Listing Coaches Who Could Still Be Shown the Door After Ivory Coast Edition

• AFCON 2023 has seen several head coaches get the boot after failing to deliver
• Ghana's Chris Hughton and the Gambia's Tom Saintfiet have been the first two
• Several managers are on the brink as their teams hover close to an AFCON exit

Nothing brings down the axe quicker than a tournament failure.

Several teams came into AFCON with high aspirations and those tasked with implementing their tactical charge are the first in line to feel the wrath of disappointed employers.

The most recent casualty was Ivory Coast coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, who was axed despite the Elephants earning a spot in the Round of 16 as one of the top third-best teams.

An expectation was that the Frenchman would be allowed to manage the host nation, seeking a miracle to somehow save his job, but that was ultimately not to be.

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Algeria's Djamel Belmadi and Tunisia's Jalel Kadri were also relieved of their duties as the two North African giants crashed out in the tournament's group stages.

Those at the helm of underperforming giants competing in AFCON are teetering on the edge and Sports Brief looks at who else could get the chop in weeks to come.

Top AFCON coaches facing exits

1. Jose Peseiro

The crucifix-thanking Portugese was under massive pressure going into the tournament and despite not having lost a game in the group stage, is still facing criticism from Super Eagles supporters.

Not beating Cameroon in the Round of 16 will bring an end to his time in Nigeria and one feels he may need to win the tournament in order to keep his job.

2. Rigobert Song

The defensive legend is at loggerheads with his former teammate and now boss, Samuel Eto'o. Cameroon looked destined for the departure lounge but were saved by a late Christopher Wooh header.

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As well as the intense gaze of Eto'o, the fiery-tempered Song has to deal with Africa's most talked about goalkeeper, Andre Onana. No matter what, the loser of the Round of 16 clash with Nigeria will certainly be gone.

3. Hugo Broos

Defeat to Namibia would have seen the Belgian fired before arriving in Johannesburg but a strong performance has swayed the fickle Bafana Bafana fans.

Even a defeat to Tunisia could keep them in the competition, but Broos' body language suggests he could already be headed for the exit on his own accord. Having to play second fiddle to PSL interests, as well as having his change room invaded by government officials, could be too much to stomach for the 71-year-old.

4. Avram Grant

Zambia may have not been favourites for the AFCON title but would have been expected to get out of a group that contained DR Congo and Tanzania.

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The former Chelsea boss' chances are fading as they must beat CAF's 2023 International Team of the Year to progress. Grant was only signed on a two-year deal but the option to extend is unlikely to be taken.

Biggest AFCON disappointments

Sports Brief previously compiled a list of the five biggest disappointments of AFCON 2023 so far.

The tournament has delivered magic from day one but some teams and players have been poor.

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