Ivory Coast have announced their 26-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the dramatic return of Wilfried Zaha while leaving out breakout 2023 star Simon Adingra in one of the headline decisions by head coach Emerse Fae.
The Elephants, defending champions after their remarkable triumph on home soil two years ago, will head to Morocco with a blend of experience, Premier League presence and emerging talent. Zaha’s inclusion stands out most—his first call-up in nearly two years. The 33-year-old has rediscovered form this season with Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer while on loan from Turkish giants Galatasaray, convincing Fae that he remains an asset on the international stage.
Zaha Back, Adingra Out
Zaha’s return contrasts sharply with the omission of Simon Adingra, whose performances were pivotal in Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON title run. The winger has struggled with form and consistency at Sunderland, and Fae opted for other wide options, leaving Adingra on the outside looking in. Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand has been placed on standby should any withdrawals occur before the tournament begins.
The Elephants’ attack will instead rely on the likes of Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, Hoffenheim’s Bazoumana Toure and Utrecht forward Sebastien Haller. Veteran striker Vakoun Bayo also makes the final list.
Premier League Contingent
Four Premier League players earn call-ups: Nottingham Forest duo Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly, Wolves defender Emmanuel Agbadou and Manchester United’s Diallo. Their presence reinforces the squad with top-level experience as Ivory Coast attempt to defend their crown under a revised AFCON calendar.
The squad announcement comes amid tension with clubs, as FIFA has granted teams permission to hold on to their African players until 15 December—seven days later than usual. With the tournament kicking off on 21 December, managers across Europe will be squeezing every possible matchday from their African internationals before release.
Group of Champions
Ivory Coast have been drawn into a challenging Group F alongside five-time champions Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique. For a defending champion, the path is far from straightforward—Cameroon remain perennial heavyweights, while Gabon’s physical intensity and Mozambique’s emerging young talents round out a difficult quartet.
Still, Fae will feel confident. The core of his squad includes elite-level operators such as Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, Odilon Kossounou and Evan Ndicka. In midfield, the balance between physicality, experience and creativity appears stronger than ever, with options such as Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Jean-Michael Seri and Christ Inao Oulai offering rotational depth.
Goalkeeping and Defence
Between the posts, Caykur Rizespor’s Yahia Fofana, Charleroi’s Mohamed Kone and Panathinaikos keeper Alban Lafont give the coach stability and competition. Lafont, who impressed this season in Greece, could be in pole position to start.
At the back, Sporting’s Ousmane Diomandé and Atalanta’s Kossounou headline a robust defensive unit. Strasbourg’s Guela Doué and Roma’s Evan Ndicka provide versatility, while Operi, Konan and Zohouri add width and stability in the full-back roles.
A Familiar Goal: Keep the Crown
For Fae, the task is clear—defend the AFCON title and reaffirm Ivory Coast’s status as one of Africa’s modern powerhouses. The memories of their triumphant 2023 campaign, culminating in a dramatic run of comeback victories, still linger in the nation’s footballing consciousness. But with a refreshed squad, renewed competition across the continent, and the pressure of champions, the challenge ahead is formidable.
Still, the return of Zaha, the emergence of new talents and a deep core of proven performers give Ivory Coast every reason to believe they can make another run at glory. As AFCON 2025 draws near, all eyes will be on whether the Elephants can roar again.
