There has been a familiar face behind the scenes at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025 with former Cote d’Ivoire international Emmanuel Eboué part of the team that is managing the event.
Ex-Arsenal and Galatasaray defender Eboué is working as an Assistant General Coordinator (AGC), bringing the knowledge of a nine-year international career, which included the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to the competition.
“I am so happy to do the job, even though I know it’s not easy,” Eboué told CAFOnline. “I am happy to participate in this tournament because it is a very good thing for the young players to see a legend like me.”
Eboué was also present at the recent TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON, Morocco 2025 and says he is learning the ropes off the pitch, having been a world-class star on it.
“Football is my job, people who know me do so because of football. So when I received the first email from CAF to be the AGC for the Under-17 AFCON in Morocco, I was so happy.
“Now I am here in Egypt for the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON too. I am learning, it’s not an easy job but to be on the pitch every game is a thrill.”
Eboué admits the role has been an eye-opener, even for a former player who once graced many continental and global tournaments.
“I didn’t know that before players come to the pitch, there has to be a lot done behind the scenes. So now, I am learning a lot about what goes into organising a tournament like this.
“You have to organise meetings, you have to print a lot of papers for the teams that are playing. You also have to be ready to assist the players when they come.
“That’s the job of the AGC and the GC (General Coordinator). You have to be with the kit boys, you have to show them how be on the pitch with the flags.”
Eboué retired in 2016 when many players currently involved in the TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON in Egypt were only 10 or so years old. He has been happy to make some new fans.
“Some boys don’t know who I am but when their coach tells them, ‘this is Emmanuel Eboué’, they go on Google to search and know more about me. It’s wonderful to see them take pictures with me,” Eboué said.
He thanks CAF for giving him the opportunity to still serve the game beyond his playing days, something many former players are not able to achieve.
“After retiring from football, I had to think about the next step and CAF has given me this opportunity and I’m grateful,” he said.
“One of the biggest challenges African players face is planning for life after football. As a player, you have to think about your future and what you’ll do when you retire.”
For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, visit www.cafonline.com