At the Heart of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Technical Study Group, Morocco 2025
They form the technical backbone of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Working behind the scenes yet playing a decisive role, they observe, dissect, and evaluate every match with methodical precision. Their mission goes far beyond simple observation: they analyze the evolution of the game, identify emerging trends, measure the impact of tactical choices, and highlight the individual performances that turn a match. At the end of each game, based on rigorous criteria, they are responsible for selecting the most outstanding player, thereby recognizing excellence and real influence on the pitch.
Led by Mr Belhassen Malouche CAF TSG Leader, and Ms Jaida Zakaria, CAF TSG Manager, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Technical Study Group brings together 12 African experts. A true hub of expertise for the tournament, the group has set up its base at the Sofitel – Jardin des Roses in Rabat, transformed for the occasion into the nerve center of technical analysis.
On site, the experts have access to a cutting-edge setup: real-time video analysis tools, advanced statistical platforms, individual and collective performance databases, and technological resources enabling the cross-referencing of tactical, physical, and technical data from each match. This in-depth work supports a refined understanding of how the game evolves throughout the competition.
In parallel, the system is not limited to remote observation. Members of the Technical Study Group are also present in the stadiums, close to the action, in order to capture on-field dynamics, in-game tactical adjustments, and details invisible on screen. This complementarity between centralized analysis and in-situ observation ensures a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of performances at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Technical Study Group, Morocco 2025
Belhassen Malouche (Tunisia – Chairman of the TSG Committee)
Belhassen Malouche has served as a FIFA Regional Technical Consultant since 2018, working across national teams, coach education, grassroots football, and youth development programs. His expertise is built on more than two decades of involvement in technical development, having collaborated with major governing bodies such as FIFA, CAF, and the AFC since 2004.
Previously, he held the position of Technical Director with several football associations, including Tunisia — with whom he won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 — as well as the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. He has also worked as a FIFA Development Manager for projects in Africa and held various technical and leadership roles within the UAE Football Association, Al Jazira Football Company, and the Tunisian national team.
Aliou Cissé (Senegal)
Crowned Africa Cup of Nations champion in 2021 with Senegal, Aliou Cissé now serves as head coach of the Libyan national team. A highly respected figure in African football, he boasts a rare international career marked by three World Cup appearances: once as a player in 2002, and twice as Senegal head coach in 2018 and 2022. Beyond his experience on the pitch and the bench, Aliou Cissé also contributes his expertise to game analysis. He has notably been a member of the FIFA Club World Cup Technical Study Group, confirming his status as a tactical reference and a keen observer of the modern game’s evolution.
Clémentine Touré (Côte d’Ivoire)
Winner of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Equatorial Guinea in 2008, Clémentine Touré has established herself as a leading figure in African women’s football. Renowned for her rigor and game vision, she now places her expertise at the service of high-level analysis. A member of the Technical Study Group at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, she also contributed to the TSG work at the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups. Her career, bridging hands-on coaching and tactical reflection, illustrates her long-term commitment to the development and promotion of women’s football at the international level.
Mohamed Magassouba (Mali)
Head coach of Mali from 2017 to 2022, Mohamed Magassouba is a versatile coach recognized for his tactical discipline and his ability to get the best out of his squads. Respected across the continent for his organizational skills and sharp reading of the game, he led the Malian Eagles to the Round of 16 at the 2019 and 2022 AFCONs, confirming Mali’s consistency on the African stage. His work, praised for its collective discipline and balance between defensive solidity and attacking projection, has forged his reputation as both a man of the field and of analysis, valued for the clarity of his principles and his high standards at elite level.
Jacqueline Shipanga (Namibia)
Technical Director of the Namibian Football Federation, a graduate of the FIFA Master and the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma, and a CAF Elite Instructor, Jacqueline Shipanga embodies a level of expertise widely recognised in the leadership and structuring of technical development projects at continental level.
She is also regarded as one of the leading figures in African women’s football. Deeply committed to the development of young talent, she founded her own academy, where for several years she has been shaping promising players by combining high standards, technical mastery and tactical understanding. This recognition naturally led to her appointment to FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG), where she contributes her expertise to the analysis and evaluation of performances at major international competitions.
Abraham Mebratu (Ethiopia)
Abraham Mebratu is a seasoned coach, known for his tactical expertise and his ability to build competitive teams. Holder of the Coaching Licence B Instructor diploma, he combines practical experience with advanced pedagogy to support the development of coaches and players. His coaching journey, enriched by collaborations with several African clubs and national teams, has given him a comprehensive strategic vision of the game and its evolution. As a member of the Technical Study Group, Abraham Mebratu now puts his expertise at the service of performance analysis and the promotion of best practices in African and international football.
Hérita Ilunga (DR Congo)
Appointed Director of Football of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) in 2025, Hérita Ilunga is a recognized expert in youth football development. Drawing on his extensive experience, he has been a member of the Technical Study Group at several CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, where his sharp eye has helped identify talent and analyze game dynamics. He has also contributed at global level by joining the Technical Study Group of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, confirming his reputation as a perceptive observer and analyst capable of combining tactical knowledge with a deep understanding of youth football.
Miller Gomes (Angola)
Former head coach of Angola’s U-20 and U-23 teams and ex-assistant coach of the senior national team, Miller Gomes is a key figure in Lusophone football on the continent. With extensive experience in player development, he has led several youth national teams and contributed to the emergence of many Angolan talents. A rigorous observer and respected educator, he also took part in the Technical Study Group at the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he applies a methodology combining tactical demands with a nuanced understanding of local contexts to analyze and evaluate the game at a high level.
Jamal Fathi (Morocco)
National Technical Director and Head of Coach Education at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Jamal Fathi is one of the architects of the structural renewal of Moroccan football. A recognized expert in youth development, coach education, and performance methodology, he plays a central role in aligning national technical policies with international standards.
His inclusion in the Technical Study Group of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations reflects a commitment to sharing expertise and actively contributing to the analysis of the evolution of African football at the highest level.
Video Analysts
Abdoulaye Seck (Senegal)
Video analyst at Wydad Casablanca, Abdoulaye Seck is a recognized specialist in football observation and tactical analysis. Thanks to his mastery of digital tools and performance software, he transforms match footage into precise strategic information, enabling coaches and players to refine their play and anticipate opponents. His rigorous methodology, combined with in-depth knowledge of African and Moroccan football, makes him a key figure in match preparation and performance monitoring, directly contributing to Wydad’s tactical efficiency and success.
Mahmoud El Fayez (Egypt)
A recognized specialist in technical and physical analysis, Mahmoud El Fayez combines strong academic training with extensive international experience. A graduate of the University of Granada, he holds UEFA Pro (2019) and CONMEBOL (2015) licenses, attesting to his mastery of modern training and game analysis methodologies. His professional journey has seen him work as an assistant coach with national teams such as Egypt, Syria, DR Congo, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and Bahrain, as well as with prestigious clubs including Atlético Nacional, Al-Ain, and Al-Nassr. Having collaborated with high-profile coaches, he stands out for his ability to blend tactical rigor, physical preparation, and a refined reading of game dynamics, bringing significant strategic added value to every team he supports.
Sahib Dahbi (Morocco)
A video analyst with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Said Dahbi is known for his precision and his ability to turn images into actionable tactical information. Trained in Toulouse, he masters the most advanced technological tools to dissect movements, tactical choices, and collective dynamics on the pitch. His rigorous methodology allows coaches and players to make informed decisions and adjust strategies in real time. Passionate and methodical, Dahbi is a key contributor to the success of Morocco’s young talents.
Albert Miller (Cameroon)
A former Cameroonian international midfielder, Albert Miller has successfully transitioned his top-level playing experience into analytical expertise. After his playing career, he turned to game analysis and technical support, developing a deep understanding of tactical dynamics and the demands of modern football.
As a member of the Technical Study Group, he brings a valuable on-field perspective, essential for assessing the real impact of tactical decisions and individual performances in major continental competitions.
