Cote d’Ivoire call up Junior Diaz and Luck Zogbe after defensive withdrawals

Cote d’Ivoire have selected Junior Diaz and Luck Zogbe to replace injured defenders Odilon Kossounou and Guela Doue for the next international window.

The Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) confirmed the changes on Sunday, with Troyes centre-back Diaz and Stade Brestois player Zogbe added to Herve Renard’s squad.

Ismael Doukoure had been widely expected to receive a first call-up after being reported as a possible replacement for Kossounou. The Strasbourg defender’s name was circulated by the Ivorian press earlier on Sunday, and journalist Malick Traore said he was in line to join the Elephants for the first time.

However, Doukoure will not join the squad after all, with Diaz chosen to strengthen the centre of the defence.

The 23-year-old Troyes defender has one appearance for Cote d’Ivoire, which came in October 2025 against the Seychelles.

Zogbe will provide cover on the right side in place of Guela Doue.