Official: South Sudan Parts Ways with Head Coach Nicolas Dupuis; Ashu Cyprian Besong Returns
The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has officially announced the departure of men’s senior national team head coach Nicolas Dupuis. The decision, described as a mutual agreement, brings an end to the Frenchman’s 28-month tenure at the helm of the Bright Stars.
The news comes at a critical juncture for South Sudanese football, as the team prepares for the preliminary round of the AFCON 2027 “Pamoja” qualifiers against Djibouti later this month.
The separation follows a period of uncertainty regarding Dupuis’ whereabouts. Reports emerged earlier this week that the 58-year-old coach had gone missing from his post in Juba. He was subsequently located in France, leading to urgent discussions between the coach and the Federation.
In an official statement, the SSFA confirmed the split:
“The Federation has reached an agreement to part ways with the head coach of the men’s senior team, Nicolas Dupuis. This decision was reached through mutual consent, and all amicable settlement arrangements have been finalized successfully.”
Despite the unusual circumstances of his exit, Dupuis expressed pride in his work, stating, “I am proud of my players; they are wonderful people. It was a pleasure working with them.”
Appointed in October 2023 with the objective of professionalizing the national team, Dupuis leaves behind a side that has shown improvement and structural growth.
Interim Leadership for AFCON Qualifiers
With the first leg against Djibouti scheduled for late March, the SSFA has moved quickly to stabilize the technical bench by appointing Ashu Cyprian Besong as interim head coach.
Besong, a 56-year-old, previously led the team between 2019 and 2021, returns to familiar territory. He possesses an intimate knowledge of the current roster. He faces the immediate task of navigating the two-legged tie to ensure South Sudan advances to the group stages of the 2027 qualifiers, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Bessong helped Cameroon qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as Marc Brys’ assistant.
The SSFA Executive Committee is expected to deliberate on a permanent successor during its next ordinary meeting.
