Portuguese Coach Linked With Ivory Coast Job

Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte has been linked with the vacant position at Ivory Coast, according to reports from the West African country.

The former Le Mans, Sfaxien and Uniao Leiria gaffer is expected to replace Ibrahim Camara who was shown the door on Thursday after a series of poor results.

Several high-profile coaches have also been mentioned including Frenchman Patrick Hesse, Carlos Queiroz and Ruud Krol, but a source at Ivorian FA reveal that Duarte is in pole position to land the job as he understands African football better.

The 50-year-old has previously been in charge Gabon and Burkina Faso national teams. His biggest achievement in the continent was leading the Stallions to two Africa Cup of Nations finals tournaments.

Should Duarte accept the role, he will be their fifth head coach since 2014, with Herve Renard, Michel Dussuyer, Marc Wilmots and Kamara all undertaking the role in that period.

Ivory Coast will resume their Africa Cup of Nations 2021 qualifying campaign with a double-header against Madagascar in March.

The Elephants sit in the third position in Group K with three points, having won one and lost one in their two games.