Nicolas Dupuis: South Sudan Coach Departs

South Sudan parts ways with Coach Nicolas Dupuis

South Sudan Football Association announces departure of head coach Nicolas Dupuis after two years, appoints Ashu Cyprian Besong as interim coach.

South Sudan names Ashu Cyprian Besong interim coach ahead of AFCON qualifiers against Djibouti...

South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has parted ways with French coach Nicolas Dupuis after two years in charge of the national team, Bright Stars. The decision was made through mutual consent, with both parties agreeing to end their working relationship.

The SSFA thanked Dupuis for his professionalism and contributions to the team, highlighting his tactical guidance and role in elevating the team's competitiveness. Dupuis expressed gratitude to the Federation, players, and citizens of South Sudan, urging fans to support the team during the transition.

Ashu Cyprian Besong has been appointed interim coach, leading the team for upcoming AFCON qualification matches against Djibouti on March 26 and 29, 2026. The SSFA will deliberate on a permanent coach in their next Executive Committee meeting.

“We are here to officially announce that the Federation has reached an agreement to part ways with the head coach of the men’s senior team, Nicolas Dupuis,” read part of the statement.

“This decision was reached through mutual consent. I am pleased to share that the discussions regarding this transition were handled with the utmost respect, and all amicable settlement arrangements have been finalized successfully.”

Nicolas Dupuis Leaves South Sudan with a Legacy of Professionalism

The statement continued: “We want to express our deepest gratitude to coach Dupuis for the services he has rendered over the last two years. Under his leadership, we have witnessed a significant transformation:

“Elevated Professionalism: His approach has instilled a new level of discipline within the squad.

“Unprecedented Competitiveness: He has lifted the team to achieve milestones previously out of reach, molding them into a competitive force that has made the nation proud.

“We wish Dupuis nothing but the very best in his future endeavors.”

Ashu Cyprian Besong Takes Interim Charge of Bright Stars 

Ashu Cyprian Besong has been appointed interim coach of South Sudan's national team, Bright Stars, ahead of upcoming AFCON qualification matches against Djibouti on March 26 and 29, 2026. 

“For our upcoming two fixtures against Djibouti, the team will be managed by Ashu Cyprian Besong. We have full confidence in his ability to lead the players through this window,” the statement added.

In regards to appointing a coach on a permanent deal, the statement clarified: “The long-term future of the men’s senior team head coaching position will be formally deliberated and decided by the Executive Committee (Exco) during their next ordinary meeting.

“Thank you for your continued support of our national team.”

Nicolas Dupuis, 58, was appointed head coach of South Sudan on October 29, 2023, succeeding Stefano Cusin whose two-year contract had ended. He took the reins ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Dupuis led the Bright Stars during the qualifiers, navigating Group B with tough opponents like Senegal, DR Congo, Mauritania, Togo, and Sudan. Would you like to know more about South Sudan's World Cup qualifying campaign or Dupuis' strategy?

South Sudan's World Cup qualifying campaign under Dupuis was mixed, with results including a 1-1 draw against Togo, 3-0 loss to Sudan, 1-0 loss to DR Congo, 1-1 draw with Sudan, 1-4 loss to DR Congo, 0-0 draw with Mauritania, 5-0 loss to Senegal, and 0-0 draw with Togo.

Dupuis has experience leading African teams, notably guiding Madagascar to their first-ever AFCON appearance in 2019. He led Madagascar to a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, securing their spot in the tournament, where they reached the quarter-finals.