Oumar Diakite recalled by Cote d’Ivoire after late squad change

Oumar Diakite has been called up by Cote d’Ivoire manager Herve Renard after initially being left out of the squad, with supporters expressing their frustration at his omission.

The forward, who turns 23 in December, has been added to the squad for Cote d’Ivoire’s two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against The Gambia. The first game will take place in Bouake on 12 November, followed by the return fixture in Bakau on 17 November.

Diakite replaces Ange-Yoan Bonny of Inter Milan, who has withdrawn from the squad “for medical reasons”, the Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) said in a statement on Monday. No further details about Bonny’s condition were provided.

The decision to include Diakite represents a change of approach from the initial selection, which contained 25 players but did not feature the striker. His omission had attracted considerable criticism, particularly given his outstanding start to the season with Sturm Graz in Austria.

Diakite, who is on loan from Stade de Reims, has scored 12 goals in 12 matches for the club so far this campaign.

Renard had previously justified leaving out the Abidjan-born player by saying he was competing in a less competitive league than the alternatives playing in one of Europe’s Big Five leagues. Bonny’s injury has now given Diakite an opportunity to demonstrate his ability at international level.

The recall has been welcomed by Cote d’Ivoire supporters, after Diakite was also absent from the previous international gathering.

He had not been involved with the Elephants since the World Cup held in June-July under former manager Emerse Fae. Diakite began that tournament’s group stage on the substitutes’ bench for both of Cote d’Ivoire’s opening matches.

He later came on for the final 23 minutes of the group game against Curacao. In the last 16, he was given three minutes of playing time in the match against Norway.

His return gives Renard another attacking option for the two fixtures against The Gambia, as Cote d’Ivoire continue their qualification campaign for CAN 2027.