Emerse Faé calls AFCON winner Jean-Philippe Krasso to replace Bazoumana Touré for November friendlies

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé has added Jean-Philippe Krasso to his squad following Bazoumana Touré’s late withdrawal.

The Elephants face Saudi Arabia on 14 November and Oman on 18 November in two international friendlies.

The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed the squad adjustment on Tuesday, citing administrative issues behind Touré’s sudden unavailability.

The 19-year-old winger from TSG Hoffenheim misses out just weeks after earning momentum in the Bundesliga.

Touré, a former ASEC Mimosas standout, has delivered 4 assists and one goal this season for the German club.

He also made his national team debut last month in Ivory Coast’s 7-0 win over Seychelles and supplied an assist.

His rapid rise excited supporters, who saw him as one of the country’s brightest attacking prospects.

Touré hoped to build continuity ahead of the 2025 AFCON but unforeseen paperwork complications ended those plans.

Faé, who values squad balance and tactical flexibility, reacted quickly to avoid gaps in attacking depth.

The coach chose Paris FC forward Jean-Philippe Krasso as the immediate replacement.

Krasso, 28, returns to the national team one month before AFCON 2025 preparations intensify.

The forward owns 7 goals in 24 international appearances and brings a track record of tournament experience.

He also won AFCON 2023 with Ivory Coast and contributed to the team’s championship campaign.

Krasso did not feature in the last three international windows but now earns a pathway back.

His club form also trends upward after early struggles for consistent minutes in Ligue 1.

He now starts regularly for Paris FC and has produced 2 goals and one assist in 12 league matches.

Krasso does not match Touré’s explosive pace, but he offers strength, game intelligence, and link-up efficiency.

Faé views the recall as a strategic opportunity, allowing him to compare attacking profiles before final squad decisions.

The coaching staff wants more clarity on forward combinations before confirming the 2025 AFCON roster.

Ivory Coast treat both November tests as preparation to sharpen chemistry, structure, and attacking roles.

Faé’s swift response signals a firm focus on readiness, stability, and tactical variation.