Ivory Coast drafts Willy Boly after injury blow to Odilon Kossounou

Ivory Coast have been dealt a significant setback just days before their crucial October training camp, with defender Odilon Kossounou forced to withdraw through injury.

Head coach Emerse Faé has responded swiftly, calling on veteran centre-back Willy Boly to reinforce the Elephants’ defensive ranks.

In an official statement released on Saturday, the Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that Kossounou had sustained a thigh injury during Atalanta’s Champions League fixture on 30 September.

Medical tests revealed a muscle strain that will sideline the 24-year-old for around two weeks.

A mainstay in the national team’s back line, Kossounou started the Elephants’ previous three matches and had been expected to feature in the final two fixtures of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month.

To fill the void, Nottingham Forest’s Willy Boly makes a timely return to the national squad.

The 34-year-old last appeared for Ivory Coast in June 2024 against Malawi and has been absent from international duty since March.

Known for his aerial strength and composure at the back, Boly brings a wealth of experience to a team aiming to cement its place at the next World Cup.

His recall is seen as a stabilising move at a critical juncture in the qualifying campaign.

The African champions face two pivotal matches that could seal their qualification.

They will meet the Seychelles on 10 October in Mauritius before hosting Kenya at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé, Abidjan, on 14 October.

Ivory Coast currently sit at the top of their group ahead of Gabon, with their qualification prospects firmly in their own hands.

COMMUNIQUÉ

Odilon Kossounou convoqué en sélection est indisponible pendant 14 jours en raison d’une contracture musculaire survenue lors du match de Ligue des Champions le mardi 30 septembre 2025.

➡️ Par conséquent, Odilon Kossounou est remplacé par le défenseur de Nottingham… pic.twitter.com/x06CjtqY28

— FIF 🇨🇮🐘 (@FIFCI_tweet) October 4, 2025

Kossounou’s absence is undoubtedly a setback for Faé, who had relied on the young defender’s mobility and consistency in recent outings.

However, the return of Boly provides an element of reassurance.

His familiarity with the squad and proven record at international level give the Elephants an experienced option to anchor their defence.

As the team prepares for these decisive fixtures, Faé will be hoping that Boly’s return injects both stability and confidence into the back line.

For the Elephants, the objective is clear: two positive results in October would all but secure their passage to the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s strongest footballing nations.