Evann Guessand handed late Ivory Coast call-up for AFCON 2025 to replace injured Sébastien Haller

Ivory Coast have handed Evann Guessand a late call-up to their squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following the injury setback suffered by Sébastien Haller.

The Elephants are currently in camp in Spain as they continue preparations for the tournament in Morocco. Haller was initially named in Emerse Faé’s squad but has been forced to withdraw after sustaining an injury during Utrecht’s 1-1 Eredivisie draw against NAC Breda on December 14.

The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed the forward’s unavailability and subsequently summoned Guessand to replace him, extending well-wishes to the injured striker. The Aston Villa attacker now joins the reigning African champions with the tournament just days away.

Guessand, 24, has featured in 11 Premier League matches since completing his move to England from OGC Nice. While he is yet to score in the league, he has found the net twice in the UEFA Europa League. With limited time to explore alternatives, Faé opted for the French-born forward to bolster his attacking options.

Ivory Coast, the defending champions, have been drawn in Group F alongside Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique. Their title defence will get underway on December 24 with an opening fixture against Mozambique in Marrakech.