In a statement from SSFA headlined ‘Technical bench update regarding the senior national team’, and obtained by Flashscore, the Federation said the decision was reached through mutual consent.
“We are here to officially announce that the Federation has reached an agreement to part ways with the head coach of the men’s senior team, Nicolas Dupuis,” read part of the statement.
“This decision was reached through mutual consent. I am pleased to share that the discussions regarding this transition were handled with the utmost respect, and all amicable settlement arrangements have been finalized successfully.
A legacy of professionalism
The statement continued: “We want to express our deepest gratitude to coach Dupuis for the services he has rendered over the last two years. Under his leadership, we have witnessed a significant transformation:
“Elevated Professionalism: His approach has instilled a new level of discipline within the squad.
“Unprecedented Competitiveness: He has lifted the team to achieve milestones previously out of reach, molding them into a competitive force that has made the nation proud.
“We wish Dupuis nothing but the very best in his future endeavors.”
Ashu Cyprian Besong takes charge
The statement further confirmed Ashu Cyprian Besong has been appointed on an interim basis to lead the Bright Stars ahead of their upcoming friendly matches against Djibouti.
“For our upcoming two fixtures against Djibouti, the team will be managed by Ashu Cyprian Besong. We have full confidence in his ability to lead the players through this window,” the statement added.
In regards to appointing a coach on a permanent deal, the statement clarified: “The long-term future of the men’s senior team head coaching position will be formally deliberated and decided by the Executive Committee (Exco) during their next ordinary meeting.
“Thank you for your continued support of our national team.”
The 58-year-old was appointed to lead South Sudan on October 29, 2023, taking over from Stefano Cusin, whose two-year contract had come to an end.
Dupuis was in charge during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where South Sudan were placed in Group B alongside Senegal, DR Congo, Mauritania, Togo and Sudan.
South Sudan came sixth in the pile after garnering five points and managing zero wins. The Bright Stars lost 4-0 in their group opener against Senegal, before drawing 0-0 against Mauritania.
South Sudan drew 1-1 against Togo in matchday three, lost 3-0 against Sudan, 1-0 against DR Congo, 1-1 against Sudan, 1-4 against DR Congo, 0-0 against Mauritania, 5-0 against Senegal, and 0-0 against Togo to miss out on the World Cup ticket.
Apart from South Sudan, Dupuis handled Madagascar in 2017, helping them to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in Antananarivo, marking the nation’s first-ever AFCON appearance.
The team went on to reach the quarter-finals.
