Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire have announced their 26-man squad for the upcoming 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, featuring a major surprise with the recall of veteran forward Wilfried Zaha and the notable omission of 2024 breakout star Simon Adingra.
Coach Emerse Faé confirmed the squad on Tuesday afternoon, signalling an intent to balance seasoned experience with emerging talent as the Elephants aim for back-to-back continental titles.
The biggest talking point is the inclusion of the 33-year-old Zaha, who returns to the national team set-up for the first time in nearly two years. The former Crystal Palace star has been in impressive form for MLS side Charlotte FC, bagging 10 goals and six assists this season.
Faé revealed that discussions with the forward had been ongoing for “several months,” stating Zaha’s recent club performances and profile perfectly align with the team’s needs in attack.
“His form has been undeniable, and he brings a level of experience and quality that we need to complement our younger players as we go into a tournament of this magnitude,” Faé commented on Zaha’s recall.
Also returning to the midfield is Jean-Michaël Seri, who earns a spot following a long injury lay-off, bringing a valuable veteran presence.
While Zaha’s inclusion is a boost, the squad announcement was overshadowed by the absence of several key figures.
The most shocking omission is that of winger Simon Adingra, who played a crucial role in the Elephants’ dramatic 2024 triumph on home soil. Faé explained that Adingra’s struggle for consistent playing time at Sunderland this season—featuring only nine times—was a deciding factor.
“Competition for his position was very strong,” Faé noted, prioritising players with “greater continuity in club football.”
Another high-profile absentee is forward Nicolas Pépé. Despite making regular appearances for Villarreal, the 29-year-old continues to be overlooked, extending a trend from recent international windows. Additionally, Jérémie Boga and Clément Akpa are left out, while defender Wilfried Singo misses the tournament entirely due to injury.
Faé has retained several promising young talents, including Yan Diomandé, Amad Diallo, and Bazoumana Touré, reflecting his strategy to refresh the squad while maintaining a competitive core.
Côte d’Ivoire will compete in Group F alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. After their unforgettable title victory in 2024, the pressure is on Faé’s new-look squad to deliver in Morocco.
The team’s 26-man roster will be supported by two standby reserves: Parfait Guiagon and Evann Guessand.
Côte d’Ivoire 26-Man Squad
| Position | Player | Club |
| Goalkeepers | Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Alban Lafont | Caykur Rizespor, Charleroi SC, Panathinaikos |
| Defenders | Emmanuel Agbadou, Boly Willy, Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doué, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Christopher Operi, Armel Zohouri | Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Sporting CP, RC Strasbourg, Gil Vicente, Atalanta, AS Roma, Istanbul Başakşehir, FC Iberia 1999 |
| Midfielders | Seko Fofana, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Christ Inao Oulaï, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jean-Michael Seri | Stade Rennais, FC Metz, Trabzonspor, Al-Ahli, Nottingham Forest, NK Maribor FC |
| Forwards | Vakoun Bayo, Oumar Diakité, Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, Sébastien Haller, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Bazoumana Touré, Wilfried Zaha | Udinese, Cercle Brugge, Man United, RB Leipzig, FC Utrecht, Paris FC, TSG Hoffenheim, Charlotte FC |
