LOMÉ — Paulo Duarte resigned as the coach of Togo’s national football team, the Sparrowhawks, on June 20, as confirmed by the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) in a press release.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Executive Committee of the FTF announced the termination of Duarte’s contract. “The Executive Committee of the Togolese Football Federation informs national and international opinion, as well as the public, supporters and partners, of the decision of Mr. Paulo Rebelo Duarte, coach-selector of the national team A of Togo (Eperviers), to terminate his employment contract,” stated the release signed by Colonel Kossi Akpovy, president of the FTF.

The Federation expressed its regret over Duarte’s departure but acknowledged his decision, extending gratitude for his commitment and professionalism during his tenure. The search for a new head coach is already underway, reflecting the organization’s proactive approach to maintaining the team’s competitive status.

Duarte, who had previously led the Stallions of Burkina Faso to a third-place finish at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, served as Togo’s coach for just over two years. His tenure with the Sparrowhawks did not yield significant achievements, notably failing to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.