Defending champions, Ivory Coast, have added a shocking player to their final 26-man squad selection for AFCON 2025.
Wilfried Zaha has officially returned to the Ivory Coast squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ending a two-year absence from international football. The 33-year-old Charlotte FC winger, who previously fell out of favour following a clash with former coach Patrice Beaumelle, is now getting an unexpected second chance under new manager Emerse Faé.
With 33 caps and five goals for Les Éléphants, Zaha brings valuable experience to a side heading into AFCON as defending champions. Ivory Coast has been placed in a challenging Group F alongside Mozambique, Cameroon, and Gabon. The tournament kicks off on December 21st in Morocco, and Zaha will be looking to help guide his nation toward a fourth AFCON title.
Faé’s squad announcement came with notable surprises, including the return of Zaha and the absence of two major names. Nicolas Pépé, the 30-year-old Villarreal forward and former Arsenal record signing, was left out despite regular La Liga minutes and his return to form. He also missed the previous international break, which may have influenced the decision.
Simon Adingra, the 23-year-old Sunderland winger who played a key role in Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON triumph, was also dropped. Faé explained that fierce competition on the wings and Adingra’s limited starts this season.
Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, however, made the final 26-man list. The 22-year-old earned his spot through steady performances under new United coach Ruben Amorim, accumulating 14 Premier League appearances (13 starts), one goal, and three assists. His final club match before joining the national team is expected to be against Bournemouth next Monday.
In a setback for Ivory Coast, defender Wilfried Singo has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury a significant loss for Faé as the team prepares for a tough group campaign. Despite the challenges, Zaha’s return has injected excitement into the squad as Ivory Coast sets its sights on defending their AFCON title.
Ivory Coast (Cote D’Ivoire) Squad for AFCON 2025
GOALKEEPERS: Yahia Fofana (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi SC, Belgium), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos, Greece)
DEFENDERS: Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Boly Willy (Nottingham Forest, England), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP, Portugal)
Guela Doué (RC Strasbourg, France), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente, Portugal), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta BC, Italy), Evan Ndicka (AS Roma, Italy), Christopher Operi (Istanbul Başakşehir, Turkey), Armel Zohouri (FC Iberia 1999, Georgia)
MIDFIELDERS: Seko Fofana (Stade Rennais, France), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (FC Metz, France), Christ Inao Oulaï (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest, England), Jean-Michael Seri (NK Maribor FC, Slovenia)
FORWARDS: Vakoun Bayo (Udinese Calcio, Italy), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Amad Diallo (Manchester United, England), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig, Germany), Sébastien Haller (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Paris FC, France), Bazoumana Touré (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany), Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC, United States)
STANDBY:Â Guessand Evann (Aston Villa, England), Guiagon Parfait (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium)