Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé reshaped his squad for the October international break, handing a debut call-up to Junior Diaz and recalling Armel Zohouri after several injury setbacks hit the Elephants.
The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that Willy Boly will replace Odilon Kossounou, who withdrew from the squad due to injury. The announcement also revealed two further changes as Faé adjusted his plans for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
Wilfried Singo and Jean-Philippe Gbamin both suffered injuries during their weekend league games and will not feature for the national team.
Faé responded by summoning Zohouri to fill Singo’s position. The 22-year-old right-back, who joined Georgian side FC Iberia this summer, will make his second senior appearance after debuting last month.
In midfield, Faé turned to fresh talent to cover for Gbamin. He called up 22-year-old defender Junior Diaz, who is currently on loan at Stade Brestois from ESTAC Troyes.
Diaz previously represented Ivory Coast at the U23 level and now earns his first senior call-up. His inclusion signals Faé’s intention to broaden the squad’s defensive options ahead of two decisive fixtures.
The training camp also welcomes returning figures, including Désiré Doué, Oumar Diakité and Karim Zouzoua, as well as Ismaël Diomandé, who has earned a recall.
Their experience will strengthen the squad’s depth and balance in the buildup to the final qualifying matches.
Ivory Coast faces Seychelles and Kenya in their last two games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Both matches carry significant weight, with the Elephants determined to secure their place on football’s biggest stage.
Players have begun arriving at the national team’s training base, where preparations are intensifying for what promises to be a decisive international window.
Faé’s reshaped roster blends emerging talent with seasoned professionals, reflecting a strategy designed to ensure Ivory Coast finishes the qualifiers strongly.
Zohouri’s return underscores his growing importance to the national setup, while Diaz’s selection highlights Faé’s willingness to integrate new faces into his plans.
Their involvement could prove crucial as the Elephants aim to dominate their remaining fixtures and secure qualification.
The updated squad also reflects Faé’s proactive approach in dealing with injury disruptions.
By swiftly introducing replacements, he ensured the team’s tactical structure remains intact and competitive despite the absence of key players.
The October fixtures will serve as a major test of the squad’s depth and adaptability.
Ivory Coast hopes to carry its strong qualifying form into these final matches, with fans eager to see the team book its ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
With a mix of youthful energy and experienced leadership, the Elephants enter this decisive phase determined to deliver performances worthy of their ambitions.
All eyes will be on Diaz’s debut and Zohouri’s return as Ivory Coast takes its next step toward global football’s grandest stage.
