Ivory Coast name squad for September AFCON qualifiers; Yan Diomande called up
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The Elephants will begin their AFCON qualifiers this month.
Ivory Coast have chosen a strong team for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana, including Real Madrid attacker Yan Diomande and veteran winger Nicolas Pepe.
Diomande, who signed for Real Madrid from RB Leipzig this summer, is one of the top players in the team for the September international window.
Pepe, who has extensive international exposure, is also featured as Renard sets out for his first meaningful game since rejoining as Côte d’Ivoire coach.
However, the Elephants will be missing Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who is recuperating from an injury. According to reports, he is set to miss the first qualifiers against Ghana and Somalia.
Ajax winger Simon Adingra is another prominent absence. The former Brighton striker is recuperating from an ankle injury and recently stated that he would need another two to three weeks to reach full fitness.
The roster also includes established players such as Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Ousmane Diomande, and Odilon Kossounou.
Ivory Coast will play Ghana in their highly anticipated Group C opening on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. CAF has identified the encounter as one of the highlights of the first round of qualifiers.
Ivory Coast squad for September matches
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Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Alban Lafont, Mohamed Koné
Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan, Guéla Doué, Ouattara Kassoum, Odilon Kossounou, Ousmane Diomandé, Christ Tapé
Midfielders: Amadou Koné, Eddy Doué, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Christ Inaho Oulai, Malick Yalcouye, Patrick Zabi Gueu
Forwards: Ange-Yoan Bonny, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi, Nicolas Pépé, Ryan Fofana, Yan Diomandé, Yann Gboho
Which group are Ivory Coast in?
They are in Group C.
When is Ivory Coast’s first game?
It’s on Friday, 25th September at 12:30 am IST against Ghana.
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