Mohamed Meraneh Hassan named Djibouti’s interim head coach

Djibouti has named Mohamed Meraneh Hassan as their new interim head coach after parting ways with French trainer Stephane Nado. Hassan, a former Djibouti international, has been in charge of the Under-23 national side since June 2025.

The Djibouti Football Federation (FDF) executive committee held a meeting on Monday, January 26, during which they announced the appointment of Hassan as the new trainer ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations preliminary round games this March. Nado left the Red Sea Sharks by mutual consent after a dreadful outing in both the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers and the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.

Hassan, 41, will be making a return to the national side for the second time after guiding the team between October 2021 and January 2022. Nicknamed Ninja by Djibouti fans, Hassan represented Djibouti between 2008 and 2016. In a press release, the FDF said Hassan will lead the national side for a short period of time.

Mohamed Meraneh Hassan to lead Djibouti as interim coach

“The Djiboutian Football Federation informs the general public and the entire football community that, during the Executive Committee meeting held on January 26, 2026, it was decided to appoint Mr. Mohamed Meraneh Hassan, currently the U23 head coach, as interim head coach of the Senior National Team. This decision aims to ensure technical continuity, stability within the coaching staff, and effective preparation for upcoming sporting commitments.”

Hassan’s first task will be the preliminary round of the 2027 AFCON against South Sudan. Djibouti has never reached the AFCON since gaining independence from France. The national side is among the lowest-ranked teams in world football.