Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has defended his squad selection for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia, addressing the notable omissions of key players Seko Fofana and Wilfried Zaha.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Faé also justified the return of Sébastien Haller and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, as he aims to secure maximum points in the two crucial fixtures.
Ambition to dominate the group
Faé made it clear that his objective is to claim six points from the two matches, reinforcing the Elephants’ position at the top of their qualifying group.
With a squad selected based on form and fitness, he is confident in the team’s ability to meet expectations.
Seko Fofana rested due to fitness concerns
The absence of Seko Fofana has sparked discussions among fans and analysts, given his vital role in Ivory Coast’s victorious 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
However, Faé explained that the Al-Nassr midfielder has been dealing with muscle discomfort and was not fully fit to participate.
“He felt discomfort in his thighs against Montpellier.
He told me he wasn’t 100%, so we mutually decided not to take him,” Faé stated.
“A Seko at 30% wouldn’t be as useful as a player who is fully fit.”
By resting Fofana, the coach aims to avoid aggravating the player’s condition and ensure he remains in top shape for future international engagements.
Wilfried Zaha’s national team future remains open
Wilfried Zaha’s continued absence from the squad has also raised questions, especially after his move to Charlotte FC in the MLS.
Despite not including him in the latest call-up, Faé emphasized that the former Crystal Palace forward has not been ruled out of future selections.
The door is always open for Wilfried Zaha,” he assured.
This statement suggests that Zaha could still return to the squad if he meets the coach’s selection criteria and circumstances align in his favor.
A squad built on competition and merit
Faé reiterated his approach to team selection, prioritizing players who are actively performing and can bring added competition to the squad.
When we make a list, we take players who are competitive and capable of challenging for a place in the team,” he explained.
With this philosophy, the Elephants are set to continue their march towards the 2026 World Cup, relying on a blend of experience and in-form talent.
Faé’s decision-making reflects a balance between squad depth, fitness management, and long-term planning as Ivory Coast looks to secure a place on football’s biggest stage.
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