Ivory Coast and Crystal Palace forward, Wilfried Zaha, responds gracefully to his exclusion from the national team’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to be hosted in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
Despite his significant contributions to football, Zaha found himself omitted from the final list of 27 players selected by Elephants coach Jean-Louis Gasset.
The coach cited considerations of team balance and Zaha’s perceived lack of cohesion during recent gatherings as contributing factors to the decision.
Gasset also alluded to the player’s divisive influence within the team and staff.
In response to his exclusion, Zaha took to Instagram to convey his well-wishes to the selected players, demonstrating a commendable spirit of fair play.
In an Instagram Story post, he stated, “Good luck to the guys selected to represent the country. I will encourage from afar.”
This gesture reflects Zaha’s sportsmanship and understanding of the coach’s decision-making process. Zaha had previously faced criticism for his refusal to join the national team rally on time in November, leading to his sidelining.
The 31-year-old winger’s repeated absences have polarized public opinion, with former Ivory Coast defender Guy Demel expressing his skepticism about Zaha’s potential inclusion.
Demel, addressing the issue before the squad announcement, asserted, “For Zaha, it is not me who makes the decision, but if it was me who made it, I tell you clearly, I would not take it.”
As Ivory Coast prepares for the upcoming AFCON 2023 on home soil, Zaha’s gracious response to his non-summoning showcases a level of maturity and respect for the coach’s decisions, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the national team from a distance.
Wilfried Zaha envoie un message de soutien aux sélectionnés via son Instagram.#CAN2023 #AFCON2023 #CAF2023 pic.twitter.com/mBCpOIsTg6
— Le Kpakpato Sportif (@LKsportif) December 28, 2023
