Former Ivory Coast international Guy Demel has expressed strong opposition to the potential inclusion of Wilfried Zaha in the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023. Zaha, known for his regular absences from national team duty, was notably absent from the last squad gathering.
Demel, a former right-back for the Ivory Coast with 35 international caps to his name, voiced his dissent regarding Zaha’s possible participation in the CAN 2023, scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
The Galatasaray resident’s sporadic appearances for the national team have drawn criticism, with his recent absence during the last gathering adding to the scrutiny.
During an appearance on the show “Les Grandes Bouches” on Canal+ Sport Afrique, Demel addressed a fan’s question, advocating for the inclusion of Simon Adingra from Brighton and Jérémie Boga from Nice.
In Demel’s perspective, Adingra and Boga have demonstrated superior performances compared to Zaha and another missing member of the squad, Nicolas Pépé.
The firm stance taken by Demel highlights the complexities surrounding team selection, with personal opinions from former players contributing to the ongoing debate.
Zaha’s potential inclusion or exclusion from the CAN 2023 squad continues to be a subject of speculation and discussion within the football community, adding an intriguing layer to Ivory Coast’s preparations for the continental competition.
As the anticipation for the CAN 2023 builds, the differing perspectives on player selection underscore the challenges faced by coaches and selectors in assembling a squad that reflects a balance of talent and team dynamics.
The Ivory Coast, aiming for success in the tournament, navigates the complexities of player preferences and public expectations as they embark on their journey in pursuit of continental glory.
CAN 2023 : un record déjà battu avant même le coup d’envoi ! https://t.co/Fk4SSBO4TE pic.twitter.com/YcPfR2Fa6s
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) December 17, 2023
