Oumar Diakité replaces injured Ange-Yoan Bonny in Ivory Coast squad for AFCON qualifiers

Ivory Coast have suffered an injury setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against The Gambia, with Inter Milan forward Ange-Yoan Bonny ruled out of the upcoming fixtures.

The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that the striker has withdrawn from head coach Hervé Renard’s squad for medical reasons, forcing the technical team to make an adjustment to its attacking options ahead of the two encounters.

Following Bonny’s withdrawal, Renard has handed a call-up to Oumar Diakité, who will join the Elephants’ squad in Abidjan for preparations ahead of the matches.

The Sturm Graz forward has been enjoying an impressive spell since the beginning of the season, with his performances earning him another opportunity to represent his country.

Diakité’s inclusion also marks his return to the national team setup after missing Ivory Coast’s previous international break. He will now have the opportunity to feature in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

His recall provides Renard with an additional attacking option as the Elephants prepare for a potentially demanding double-header against The Gambia.

Ivory Coast began their training camp in Abidjan on Sunday, November 8, as preparations gathered momentum ahead of the two fixtures.

The Elephants are scheduled to face The Gambia on Thursday, November 12, before travelling for the return encounter on Tuesday, November 17.

Renard will be hoping his side can maintain their momentum in the qualifying campaign despite Bonny’s absence, as the former African champions continue their quest to secure a place at the 2027 continental showpiece.