Following Chris Hughton’s dismissal, the Gambia’s former coach, Tom Saintfiet, has been named as a potential successor to the vacant Black Stars position.

Saintfiet is one of the candidates for the position, which opened up after Hughton was fired after Ghana’s unexpected group stage exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, according to those close to the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

After the Gambia national team was eliminated from the ongoing competition in Ivory Coast on Tuesday, the 50-year-old Belgian announced his resignation as coach. Even though Saintfiet finished the group stage with no points, he is praised for having had a revolutionary effect on Gambian football.

Under his guidance, Gambia’s global ranking improved to 126th, beating Mauritania, Tunisia, and Guinea in the 2021 AFCON quarter-finals. With coaching experience in four FIFA confederations and a significant African background, he managed Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Togo.

The GFA is considering Saintfiet as a strong candidate for the Black Stars job, but no official approach has been made. If appointed, Saintfiet would face the challenge of reviving the team after a disappointing run under Hughton, failing in Ivory Coast and potentially not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.