Emerse Faé names Ivory Coast squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers against Zambia and Chad
Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has unveiled his final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, as the reigning champions prepare for two crucial encounters against Zambia and Chad in early September.
The Elephants, who are defending their title as African champions, will kick off their qualification campaign with a highly anticipated home fixture against Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys on September 6 in Bouaké.
This will be followed by an away match on September 10, where Ivory Coast will face Chad in Morocco.
Faé has opted to maintain the core of the squad that delivered success in previous campaigns, ensuring continuity as the Elephants aim to assert their dominance once again on the continent.
In his squad announcement, made on Monday, Faé retained several key players, including seasoned midfielders Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré, as well as Borussia Dortmund striker Sébastien Haller, who will spearhead the team’s attacking efforts.
The selection reflects Faé’s confidence in the established stars while also offering opportunities to emerging talents who have been making waves in European football.
Goalkeeper Yahia Fofana from Angers is expected to be a crucial part of the team’s defensive lineup, alongside Mohamed Koné, who plies his trade at Sporting Charleroi in Belgium, and Badra Ali Sangaré from South African club Sekhukhune United.
The competition for the starting spot between the posts remains fierce, with all three keepers bringing solid experience to the squad.
Faé’s defensive selections are equally formidable, with a lineup that includes Emmanuel Agbadou of Stade Reims, Nottingham Forest’s Willy Boly, and Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossonou, AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka, and Strasbourg’s Abakar Sylla further strengthen the backline, ensuring that the Elephants will be difficult to break down during the qualifiers.
The inclusion of Monaco’s Wilfried Singo and Le Havre’s Christopher Operi adds additional depth and versatility to the defence.
In midfield, the Ivory Coast boasts an enviable array of talent, with Al Ahli Jeddah’s Franck Kessié and Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangaré expected to provide stability and creativity.
They are joined by Rangers’ Mohamed Diomandé, Al Orubah’s Jean Michael Seri, and Mario Dorgelès from Nordsjælland, all of whom offer a mix of experience and youthful energy.
The midfield will be tasked with both breaking up opposition play and driving forward Ivory Coast’s attack.
Faé has also named a strong attacking lineup, led by Borussia Dortmund’s Sébastien Haller.
He will be supported by the likes of Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Simon Adingra, and Stade Reims forward Oumar Diakité.
Christian Kouamé of Fiorentina, Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough, and Benie Traoré of FC Basel complete the formidable forward unit.
This blend of established stars and promising talents reflects Faé’s intention to build a squad capable of defending the AFCON title while also laying the foundation for future success.
With key players in top form across Europe’s elite leagues, Ivory Coast will be heading into the qualifiers with a sense of optimism and expectation.
The opening match against Zambia on September 6 will serve as an important test for the Elephants, with the team looking to secure a strong start to their qualification campaign.
The subsequent fixture against Chad, scheduled for September 10 in Morocco, offers another opportunity for Ivory Coast to assert their dominance and take a step closer to qualifying for the 2025 tournament.
Ivory Coast supporters will be watching closely as Faé’s squad takes the field, eager to see whether the Elephants can continue their winning ways and once again lift the coveted Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
