Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé has addressed the absence of Wilfried Zaha from the national squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Sierra Leone, despite the winger’s recent standout performance for Galatasaray in the Europa League.
Zaha, who came off the bench to provide a crucial assist in Galatasaray’s 2-0 win over Olympiakos, was expected by many to be recalled to the Elephants squad after showcasing his ability at a key moment.
However, Faé has decided to exclude the 31-year-old from the list, a move that has raised eyebrows among Ivorian football fans, especially given the injury of Simon Adingra, one of Zaha’s main competitors for the left-wing position.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Faé explained that his decision was based on concerns over Zaha’s lack of consistent playing time in recent weeks.
“Zaha had a good performance by providing an assist, but he hasn’t played regularly for over a month,” the coach said, pointing out that despite the winger’s brief return to form, continuity on the field remains a critical factor in squad selection.
Zaha, who will turn 32 in November, has struggled with injury and inconsistent game time this season, factors that Faé believes are key in determining whether or not to bring him back into the national setup.
The coach emphasized that while Zaha’s talent and experience are well recognized, his selection criteria are focused on current match fitness and regular appearances for club teams. “It’s not just about one moment of brilliance, it’s about sustained form,” Faé added.
The decision not to call up Zaha is particularly striking given the absence of Adingra, who is sidelined with an injury.
Adingra has been one of the standout players in Zaha’s position, and his unavailability seemed to create a perfect opportunity for the Galatasaray star to make a return to the national team.
However, Faé has opted to explore other options for the upcoming double-header against Sierra Leone.
Zaha’s international career has seen its ups and downs, and this latest exclusion adds another chapter to his complex relationship with the Ivorian national team.
The former Crystal Palace forward has earned 30 caps for the Elephants since switching his international allegiance from England in 2017, but injuries and inconsistent performances have limited his involvement in recent years.
As the Ivory Coast prepares for the crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Faé’s decision to omit a player of Zaha’s calibre has generated debate, with some questioning whether the winger’s individual brilliance could have tipped the scales in the team’s favour.
However, the coach remains firm in his stance, focusing on building a squad that is physically prepared and match-fit.
The Elephants will face Sierra Leone in a double confrontation as they aim to secure their spot in the tournament, which will be held in Morocco.
Despite Zaha’s absence, Faé is confident in his squad’s ability to deliver results and push Ivory Coast closer to qualification.
Côte d’Ivoire : la liste sans un cadre et avec la surprise Eric Bailly #football https://t.co/gBpd9Z557w pic.twitter.com/EDNNdDK2Ew
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) September 27, 2024
