Emerse Faé names Ivory Coast squad for November friendlies in the Middle East

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has announced his squad for the November 2025 international window, as the reigning African champions prepare for two friendly matches in the Middle East.

The Elephants will face Saudi Arabia on 14 November in Jeddah before taking on Oman on 18 November in Muscat.

Both matches form part of the team’s ongoing preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Ivory Coast will aim to defend the title they won on home soil.

Faé’s 25-man selection blends established names with rising talents, offering the technical staff a chance to fine-tune tactical approaches and test new combinations ahead of a crucial year for Ivorian football.

Goalkeepers

Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné and Alban Lafont will compete for the starting position between the posts.

All three have been in solid form for their respective clubs, providing Faé with depth and reliability in goal.

Defenders

The defensive line features a mix of experience and youthful promise, with Odilon Kossounou, Evan N’Dicka, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Ghislain Konan all returning to the fold.

Armel Zohouri and Clément Akpa also make the list, alongside Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who continues to re-establish himself after injury setbacks.

Guéla Doué, whose versatility has been a strength for his club, completes the defensive roster.

Midfielders

In midfield, captain Franck Kessié leads a formidable group that includes Seko Fofana and Ibrahim Sangaré — two mainstays of the national setup.

They are joined by Maho Dorgelès, Perfect Guiagon, and Christ Inao Oulai, all of whom have been rewarded for their consistency at club level.

This combination of seasoned leaders and fresh talent underlines Faé’s strategy to build continuity while planning for the future.

Forwards

Up front, Sébastien Haller returns to spearhead the attack, supported by an array of promising options.

Oumar Diakité, Amad Diallo, Evann Guessand, and Vakoun Bayo bring pace and creativity to the wings, while Yvan Diomandé, Richard Koné, and Bazoumana Touré add competition and firepower in the forward line.

These two upcoming matches will serve as vital tests for Ivory Coast ahead of AFCON 2025, providing Faé the opportunity to refine his squad’s cohesion and assess player form in competitive settings.

The Elephants’ blend of seasoned internationals and emerging stars reflects the depth and ambition of a team determined to stay at the top of African football.