Ivory Coast call up Getafe defender Valou Ives Jean ahead of Gambia return clash

Ivory Coast head coach Hervé Renard has strengthened his squad ahead of their trip to The Gambia, handing Getafe defender Valou Ives Jean a call-up to the senior national team for the remainder of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 20-year-old was initially part of the Ivory Coast U-23 squad but has now been promoted to the senior setup as the Elephants prepare for their crucial Matchday Four encounter against The Gambia.

The Ivorian Football Federation officially confirmed the defender’s promotion, announcing that he had joined Renard’s squad to provide additional options ahead of the upcoming fixture.

“The Ivorian Football Federation announces that Valou Ives Jean, a 20-year-old defender playing for Getafe CF (Spain), has joined the senior national team,” the federation stated.

The governing body further explained that the youngster had initially been selected for the U-23 team before receiving the senior call-up on Friday to strengthen the squad for the trip to Bakau.

Jean’s inclusion provides Renard with another defensive option as the former Ivory Coast coach looks to maintain his team’s impressive start to the qualifying campaign.

The Elephants will travel to The Gambia on the back of a 2-1 victory in the first meeting between the sides, played on November 12 in Bouaké.

Ivory Coast have enjoyed an impressive start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, winning all three of their opening matches and collecting maximum points.

They will now be targeting another positive result against the Scorpions on November 17 to strengthen their position in the qualification race.

For Jean, the call-up represents an important opportunity to make an impression at senior international level and potentially take another significant step in his development.

The young defender will be hoping to convince Renard of his qualities as Ivory Coast continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.