Ivory Coast Coach Hervé Renard Targets Jean-Philippe Gbamin for AFCON Qualifiers
Ivory Coast’s new head coach Hervé Renard is making a bold move by including 18-year-old Jean-Philippe Gbamin in a preliminary squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, hoping to secure the defender’s commitment to the Elephants.
Gbamin, a promising talent developed at Lens, where he primarily operates as a right-back under coach Antoine Kombouaré, has been called up for the upcoming qualifiers against Sierra Leone on September 6 and Cameroon four days later.
The young defender, who was born in San Pedro, Ivory Coast, but has represented France at U18 and U19 levels, faces a decision over which nation to represent at senior level. Renard’s inclusion of Gbamin in an extended squad signals Ivory Coast’s determination to persuade him to opt for his birth country.
The provisional list, to be trimmed down by August 28, reflects the new coach’s intent to blend experienced players with youthful prospects. Gbamin himself has expressed a desire to take time before making a final choice, weighing his options carefully.
Renard’s proactive approach highlights the importance Ivory Coast places on securing talented dual nationals as they aim to make a strong impact at the upcoming tournament.
