LONG TIME GONE Algerian news outlet long reported Da Rosa’s move to Al-Ahly Tripoli

Algerian sports news outlet Dzair Sport reported four days ago that Didier Gomes da Rosa would soon be unveiled at the new coach of Libyan side Al-Ahly Tripoli.

Nobody paid too much attention to the story when it was first published three days before Da Rosa would later say he was resigning as Zebras coach on Tuesday. The story in Dzair Sport reads: “The Libyan club Al-Ahly Tripoli, headed by Mohammed Al-Mashai, is close to signing French Coach Didier da Rossa, the current coach of Botswana.”

Credence to this story was confirmed when Da Rosa indeed announced his decision to quit as the Zebras coach minutes after the team’s victory over Cape Verde in the fourth match of the 2025 Group C AFCON qualifiers.

The coach let it slip in an post match interview last night after the Zebras beat their opponents 1-0 to move to position 2 of the  group, thereby boosting their chances of qualifying for the finals in Morocco. The top two teams in every qualify automatically for the tournament.

The coach reportedly cited lack of transparency at the Botswana Football Association as his reasons for quitting, saying some decisions are taken without his input. One such, according to reports, is the BFA’s reported decision to withdraw the Zebras from taking part in the CHAN –  a sister competition to AFCON that only uses players based in domestic leagues.

In a letter widely circulated on social media purported to be his message to Batswana on his resignation, Da Rosa wrote: It is with deep sadness that I am led to resign from my position of Zebras Coach and national teams director today.

“Before setting off, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who warmly surrounded me in my work and my daily life in your very welcoming country; my beloved players firstly, my staff members, the BFA employees and leaders, especially President Maclean Letshwiti, the fans, and more broadly, the entire Botswana people.

“It feels good to live in your country. Botswana will remain forever a wonderful sport and human adventure. From now on, I will be a great supporter of The Zebras and The Mares, and I wish all Botswana football actors and first, BFA President Tariq Babitseng, the highest achievements.”