Elye Wahi hat-trick puts Cote d’Ivoire’s number nine search back in focus

Elye Wahi’s three-goal display for Nice has revived the debate over Cote d’Ivoire’s long-running search for a reliable centre-forward, but it has not yet solved the problem for the Elephants.

Wahi scored a hat-trick and supplied an assist as Nice beat Rennes 5-2, producing his best possible response just days before Herve Renard is expected to announce his squad for the match against Gambia.

The forward opened his account by converting two penalties before completing the treble with a goal from open play. He also set up Jonathan Clauss, contributing to a comprehensive performance in a match that could hardly have arrived at a better time for him.

The two penalties mean his statistics should not be viewed without context, but the performance remains significant for a player whose progress has repeatedly been affected by inconsistency.

Wahi has many of the qualities expected of a modern number nine. He possesses pace, can run in behind defences, moves intelligently and is capable of attacking space effectively. When his confidence is high, he has the ability to cause serious problems for opponents.

His record for the Elephants, however, remains below the required level. First called up in the spring and then taken to the World Cup, the former Lens player has yet to reproduce his club form in an international shirt. His early appearances have been underwhelming and he is still waiting for his first goal for Cote d’Ivoire.

No clear successor to Sebastien Haller

The uncertainty is not limited to Wahi. Ange-Yoan Bonny is his main rival for the position, although his opportunities at Inter have been restricted. He has scored two goals in Serie A this season, but his performances for the Elephants have also been disappointing.

Neither Wahi nor Bonny has so far shown the authority, efficiency or consistency needed to establish himself as the obvious successor to Sebastien Haller. Both have clear potential, but the contest currently appears to be one shaped by a lack of alternatives rather than a battle between two established forwards.

Wilfried Bony has previously highlighted how difficult it can be for young attackers to establish themselves with the Elephants.

Evann Guessand is another option, while Karim Konate and even Haller remain among the names being considered. Rayan Fofana was also called up by Renard for the previous international camp. None of the candidates has yet created a decisive lead.

Wahi’s hat-trick therefore does not remove Cote d’Ivoire’s attacking concerns. It does give him renewed confidence and serves as a reminder that he possesses qualities few of the other contenders can match.

Renard may give him another opportunity against Gambia. Wahi must now follow up his performance for Nice with the Elephants, who need more than promise or occasional club-level flashes as they continue their search for a genuine number nine.