Carin Zaha, the elder brother of Galatasaray’s Wilfried Zaha, has voiced strong discontent over the exclusion of his brother from Ivory Coast’s squad for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Expressing deep frustration, Carin Zaha has openly criticized Idriss Diallo, the president of the Ivorian Football Federation, and urged the intervention of Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba.
Speaking at a match featuring the main team of the “Wilfried Zaha Academy” in Attinguié, west of Abidjan, Carin Zaha conveyed the sentiments of the Zaha family regarding Wilfried’s notable absence from the AFCON squad.
Despite his commendable performance at Galatasaray, where he netted 9 goals in 26 matches across all competitions, Wilfried Zaha has been overlooked by Ivory Coast’s coaching staff for this edition of the prestigious tournament.
The forward, who holds 31 caps and 5 goals, last donned the Elephants’ jersey in October.
Carin Zaha, in an exclusive interview with RMC Sport, addressed various facets concerning the Ivory Coast national team and shed light on his brother’s situation.
Key points from the interview include the family’s disappointment with the non-selection of Wilfried, despite his prolific form in Turkey.
The interview further delves into the complexities surrounding Wilfried Zaha’s absence from the AFCON, raising questions about the decision-making process and the criteria employed by the coaching staff.
The Zaha family’s dissatisfaction, voiced through Carin Zaha’s impassioned critique, adds a layer of controversy to Ivory Coast’s AFCON campaign.
As the Elephants progress to the round of 16, the omission of a player of Wilfried Zaha’s caliber becomes a talking point, inviting scrutiny and prompting calls for transparency in the selection process.