Ivory Coast is set to face Rwanda on March 23 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Although the Elephants have already secured their place in the tournament, their coach, Ibrahim Kamara, has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming matches, signaling a clear strategy focused on continuity and player development.
The match against Rwanda carries little competitive weight, as the two qualifiers from the group—Guinea and Ivory Coast—are already determined. With the AFCON tournament scheduled to take place from June 21 to July 19 in Egypt, Kamara could have used these fixtures as an opportunity to call upon former stars. However, one notable absence from the squad is Gervinho, the seasoned Ivorian striker currently performing impressively at Parma in Italy.
When questioned about Gervinho’s omission, Kamara was emphatic that the decision was not due to any conflict or disagreement. “There’s no problem with Gervinho. In fact, he’s one of the players I have the best relationship with,” he explained. “But, between us, in a match like this, do we really need him? I went to meet him in Europe, and we had a fruitful discussion. For these next two matches, I want to assess the depth of this group that has been playing together for the past five months.”
Kamara’s comments made it clear that his focus is on maintaining continuity within the squad and providing opportunities for emerging talent. Rather than recalling established stars, he prefers to give other players the chance to demonstrate their ability and gain experience at the international level. “Gervinho has nothing to prove,” Kamara added, emphasizing that the omission was strategic rather than personal.
This approach reflects the coach’s broader vision for the national team. “For the past five months, I’ve been working with a group. Initially, it wasn’t easy. I was asked to build a team while integrating young players, and at the time, we were on the verge of being eliminated from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. This group has matured, and this list is a direct continuation of what we started. In other words, there are no major changes,” Kamara stated before officially announcing the squad.
The selected 24 players will face Rwanda in the upcoming qualifier on Saturday, March 23. They will then travel to play a friendly match against Liberia on March 26. Despite Gervinho’s absence, Kamara is confident that the squad has the talent and cohesion needed to perform effectively in both matches. His strategy demonstrates a careful balance between honoring the experience of seasoned players and developing the next generation of Ivorian footballers.
While media speculation had suggested tension or disagreement surrounding Gervinho’s omission, Kamara’s statements make it clear that the decision is tactical. By prioritizing continuity and giving opportunities to younger players, the Ivory Coast coach aims to strengthen the team’s overall depth ahead of the main tournament in Egypt. Fans can expect a competitive squad in the upcoming matches, even without the presence of one of the country’s most recognizable stars.
With Rwanda and Liberia on the horizon, Kamara’s Elephants are focused on preparation, squad evaluation, and ensuring that the team enters the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with confidence, cohesion, and readiness to compete at the highest level.
