Ivory Coast’s national football team, the Elephants, is gearing up for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place on home soil. Coach Jean-Louis Gasset has disclosed the preliminary list of 54 players in contention for the prestigious tournament.
The roster includes some notable names and promising talents vying for a spot in the final selection.
Among the intriguing prospects is Bamo Meïté, the 22-year-old Franco-Ivorian defender from Olympique de Marseille, who, despite never receiving a call-up to the A-team, has been turning heads with six appearances in Ligue 1 this season.
Meïté’s inclusion raises speculation about a potential surprise entry into the final AFCON squad.
Another exciting addition to the preliminary list is the binational striker Evann Guessand, a 22-year-old talent from OGC Nice.
With 16 matches and two goals to his name in the current financial year, Guessand’s journey toward securing a spot in the final 27 is eagerly anticipated. Christopher Operi, a 26-year-old left-back at Le Havre in Ligue 1 with 12 appearances this season, also finds himself in the mix despite his lack of international experience.
The squad features seasoned players such as Wilfried Zaha, 31, who has been delivering impressive performances for Galatasaray this season, notching five goals in 11 league games. Despite missing the last gathering, Zaha remains a prominent figure in the preliminary selection, attracting both support and skepticism from fans.
The defensive line sees the return of Éric Bailly, the 29-year-old defender currently with Besiktas, who, despite a prolonged absence from national duties, could make a comeback.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin, 28, has also earned a place in the expanded list, showcasing a resurgence since November with two Ligue 2 matches for Dunkirk.
As the anticipation builds, the final AFCON squad announcement will be keenly observed, with the coach aiming to strike a balance between experienced campaigners and emerging talents for Ivory Coast’s campaign on home turf.
Bamo Meité fait partie de la liste des 54 joueurs ivoiriens présélectionnés pour la CAN 2023 ! 😬 #TeamOM pic.twitter.com/izdsGM4wHk
— Fan OM (@fan______om) December 20, 2023
