Paulo Duarte, who has led the Togo national football team since May 2021, has resigned from his position as head coach following his team’s mixed results in the June international fixtures. The Togolese Football Federation announced his resignation this Friday.
Paulo Duarte is no longer the head coach of Togo’s national team. The Portuguese coach stepped down after three years in charge of the Eperviers. The news was made public through an official statement by the Togolese Football Federation.
“The Executive Committee of the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) informs the national and international public, as well as fans, supporters, and partners, of the decision of Mr. Paulo Rebelo Duarte, coach of the Togo national team (Eperviers), to terminate his contract on June 20, 2024,” read the statement.
This decision comes as a surprise, especially since the 55-year-old coach had extended his contract in November 2023 after the expiration of his initial two-year term. The Togolese Football Federation also expressed its regret over Duarte’s resignation.
“The Executive Committee regrets this decision but acknowledges it and wishes to express its gratitude for his work, commitment, and professionalism during the years of collaboration. The FTF wishes him much success in his future endeavors,” the statement continued.
Failing to qualify Togo for the final phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Mr Duarte also faced disappointing results during the June international fixtures, which were part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The team was held to a 1-1 draw by South Sudan and suffered a 0-1 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Duarte came as successor of Claude Le Roy, who managed the team from 2016 to 2021. During his tenure with Togo, his record was 6 defeats, 7 victories, and 10 draws in 23 matches.
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Paulo Duarte resigns as Togo’s coach
