Cote d’Ivoire head coach Jean-Louis Gasset has officially released his final 27-man squad for next month’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The experienced French tactician made the announcement on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Raddison Blu Hotel at the Abidjan airport.
The list saw the return of former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe, who has been out of the Elephants team for over a year, making his last appearance in friendly against Burkina Faso in November 2022.
French-born defensive duo Willy Boly and Evan N’Dicka made the final roster for the host country as they their maiden appearance in Africa’s biggest football event.
The two players, who could be paired in central defence for the Elephants after former youth internationals for France.
Highly-rated youngster Ousmane Diomande has earned a place in Gasset’s list after a breakthrough season at Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
However, Galatasaray attacker Wilfried Zaha has been snubbed, while young forwards Karim Konate and Simon Adingra made the cut for the tournament.
Cote d’Ivoire will open the tournament against Guinea Bissau on January 13, 2024, at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpé, Abidjan.
The Elephants will face Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in the remaining Group A games.
Official squad for Cote d’Ivoire for the AFCON tournament:
