Official: South Sudan parts ways with Nicolas Dupuis!

Nicolas Dupuis (Photo Credit: Foot Africa)

The South Sudan Football Association has officially ended its partnership with men's national team coach Nicolas Dupuis by mutual consent, bringing to a close 28 months of collaboration.

This split comes just hours after a cloud of uncertainty surrounded the "disappearance" of the French manager, and only a few days ahead of a crucial fixture. South Sudan is set to face Djibouti on March 25 and 31 in the preliminary round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers CAN 2027.

Nicolas Dupuis took charge of the Bright Stars in October 2023. The former Madagascar coach had a contract running until October 2026. Upon his departure, he expressed satisfaction with what he achieved during his time with South Sudan. "I am proud of my players; they are also wonderful people. It was a pleasure working with them," the 58-year-old Frenchman wrote in an official statement.

To take over on an interim basis, the South Sudan Football Association has appointed Ashu Cyprian Besong, who had been serving as Dupuis' assistant. The 56-year-old Cameroonian, who previously led the team from 2019 to 2021, now faces the urgent task of guiding the Bright Stars into the group stage of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Source: https://foot-africa.com/en/news/official-south-sudan-parts-ways-with-nicolas-dupuis-1121483/