Cote d’Ivoire: Oumar Diakite omission raises questions over Herve Renard’s squad

Herve Renard’s decision to leave Oumar Diakite out of the Cote d’Ivoire squad for their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against The Gambia has prompted criticism from observers and supporters.

The France coach announced his selection on Thursday for the meetings in Bouake on 12 November and Bakau on 17 November, but again did not include the 22-year-old forward.

Diakite was also left out by Renard during the September-October international window. His latest omission comes despite a strong run of form for Sturm Graz in Austria, where he is on loan from Stade de Reims until the end of the season.

He has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 11 matches for the club. Diakite also scored twice in Sturm Graz’s Europa League match on Thursday evening.

The decision has led to a backlash online in Cote d’Ivoire, with supporters questioning the treatment of a player who is popular with the national team’s fans.

Renard was asked about Diakite’s absence during his news conference and explained that the striker plays in a less competitive league than the two forwards selected ahead of him.

Ange-Yoan Bonny of Inter Milan and Elye Wahi of Nice were chosen to lead the attack instead.

Cote d’Ivoire and The Gambia are joint leaders of Group C after the opening two rounds, although the Ivorians are ahead on goal difference. The hosts would move one and a half steps closer to qualification for CAN 2027 if they win both of their upcoming matches.

The Elephants began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ghana before beating Somalia 0-2. The Gambia opened with a 2-1 win against Somalia and then came from behind to defeat Ghana 2-4.