Ivory Coast call up Getafe defender Valou Ives Jean for AFCON 2027 qualifier

Valou Ives Jean has left Ivory Coast’s U23 squad to join the senior national team for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying trip to Gambia.

The 20-year-old defender, who plays for Getafe CF in Spain, was initially selected for the Olympic team’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

However, the Ivorian Football Federation confirmed on Friday that Jean had been called into the senior squad to provide additional defensive cover for the Elephants.

Ivory Coast will face The Gambia’s Scorpions in Bakau in the fourth round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Jean’s inclusion gives head coach additional options ahead of the away fixture, while ending his involvement with the U23 group for its current camp.