Ivory Coast have stepped up their build-up to the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations after launching a new training camp designed to confirm player eligibility and sharpen preparations for the continental tournament.
The country’s youth side began an external camp on Monday, marking the latest phase of their programme ahead of the U17 AFCON.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that 25 players drawn from academies and clubs nationwide had been assembled for assessment and training.
Central to this phase were MRI examinations intended to verify that each player meets the age criteria required for the competition.
The federation described the testing as a safeguard for sporting integrity. “These examinations, conducted under my supervision by medical experts, aimed to verify that the players’ bone maturation met the age requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This is an essential step to guarantee fairness and transparency in youth competitions,” the FIF said. The statement added: “Following this crucial testing phase, the group that has been declared eligible to continue is now known.”
With eligibility confirmed, attention now turns to performance development. According to the federation, this third stage of preparation will prioritise structured work on technical and tactical elements, alongside physical conditioning and collective discipline.
Officials say the aim is to strengthen cohesion within the squad while refining match strategies ahead of the tournament.
The camp represents a key checkpoint in Ivory Coast’s wider youth development pathway, bringing together prospects from across the domestic football system.
By combining medical verification with on-field preparation, the federation is seeking to ensure compliance with continental regulations while maintaining competitive standards.
Squad selected for the U17 AFCON preparation camp
Goalkeepers: Djaha Kouakou Ange, Diabaté Adama, Dosso Lan Ismaël, Toukara Ibrahim
Defenders: Zoko Ange, Fofana Mohamed, Keita Madibo, Tié Zon Torres, Bakayoko Kader, Diakité Allousseni, Doumbia Mory, Drébo Koudougnon
Midfielders: Coulibaly Hamza, Kéita Adébigui, Malo Hamed Cheik, Diabaté Yousouf, Haidara Mohamed, Diarra Aboubacar
Attackers: Nomané Ange, Glao Songui, Diabaté Ararat, Tuo Souleymane, Koné Hassan, Cissé Broulaye
As preparations continue, the federation expects the camp to provide a clearer framework for selection and tactical planning, ensuring the squad enters the competition physically ready and administratively compliant.
