Ashu Cyprien named South Sudan interim coach as Dupuis goes AWOL

Home-bred Ashu Cyprien has been named as the South Sudan national team caretaker coach following the disappearance of Nicolas Dupuis.

The controversial Frenchman has not been reporting for duty despite that the Bright Stars are preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round qualifying matches against Djibouti later this month.

Reports indicate the former Malagasy trainer checked out of his hotel in Juba earlier this week seemingly leaving for an unknown destination.

Now, the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) has quietly announced the appointment of compatriot Cyprien as the interim handler to oversee the AFCON qualifying matches scheduled for Juba National Stadium on 26 and 29 March 2026.

“The national football team held its first official training session today [Wednesday] at Juba National Stadium in preparation for its match against Djibouti in the preliminary round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,” reads part of the statement.

“Interim coach Ashu Cyprien oversaw the opening session and will lead the team in the two matches against Djibouti, scheduled for Juba Stadium on March 26 and 29.”

Dupuis and his disappearing antics

This is not the first time that Dupuis has disappeared. He also went AWOL ahead of South Sudan’s crucial encounter against Uganda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on October 11, 2024.

The Frenchman had travelled to Europe for personal reasons, creating panic before he re-appeared.

SSFF also suspended Dupuis in October 2025 following his remarks in the aftermath of a 5-0 loss to Senegal in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. He challenged the FA that he was ready to be sacked provided he was paid his outstanding dues.

On Monday, SSFF issued an alert for a press conference scheduled for Tuesday at 10am East African time to explain the status of Dupuis.

SSFF dealing with uncertainty over the coach

However, hours later, the FA issued an update, saying it had called off the press conference for reasons that were not explained clearly.

The uncertainty regarding the future of South Sudan coach has come at the wrong time considering the limited time before the AFCON qualifiers.

The overall winner over the two legs will proceed to the group-stage of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host the continental competition.