Amir Abdou gained widespread recognition across Africa after guiding minnows Comoros to a stunning 3-2 victory over Ghana at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
Tactically, Abdou outclassed then-Black Stars coach Milovan Rajevac, making his coaching acumen evident to the football world. His success with Comoros earned him a move to Mauritania, where he led them to qualification for the 2023 AFCON.
One of Mauritania’s greatest football moments under Abdou came during the tournament in Ivory Coast, when they secured a historic 1-0 victory over Algeria in their final group-stage match, courtesy of Yali Dellahi’s 31st-minute goal. Mauritania advanced to the Round of 16, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Cape Verde.
The remarkable rise of both Comoros and Mauritania on the African football scene has been credited to Abdou’s tactical expertise.
Contrary to reports that Ghana had no interest in him, Abdou has confirmed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) did approach him after the 2023 AFCON when the Black Stars parted ways with Chris Hughton. However, negotiations did not progress.
“There were talks with Ghana, it’s true, but it didn’t go any further,” Abdou revealed.
Currently regarded as one of the best tacticians in African football, Abdou continues to make a name for himself, having consistently defied the odds with Comoros and Mauritania.
