Ivory Coast Reveals Star-Studded Squad for AFCON 2023

In anticipation of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place from January 11 to February 11, the host nation, Ivory Coast, has unveiled its formidable 27-man squad. The squad, curated by the team’s French manager, Jean-Louis Gasset, boasts a mix of homegrown talent and international stars.

Among the notable inclusions are Borussia Dortmund’s prolific striker, Sebastien Haller, the solid Monaco defender, Wilfried Singo, and midfield maestros Ibrahim Sangare of Nottingham Forest, Seko Fofana of Al Nassr, and Franck Kessie representing Al Ahli.

However, absent from Gasset’s list are Galatasary forward Wilfried Zaha and Besiktas defender Eric Bailly, raising eyebrows among fans and pundits.

In the goalkeeper lineup, Ivory Coast features Yahia Fofana from Angers, Charles Folly from Asec Mimosas, and Badra Ali from Sekhukhune United.

The defensive backbone includes familiar names such as Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Ismael Diallo, and Evans N’dicka, among others.

The midfield, a critical engine for success, comprises talents like Jean-Thierry Amani Lazare, Idrissa Doumbia, and the experienced Jean-Michael Seri.

The attacking force is spearheaded by a mix of European-based players, including Simon Adingra, Jonathan Bamba, and the exciting Borussia Dortmund striker, Sébastien Haller.

Ivory Coast finds itself in a challenging Group A alongside Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea. As expectations soar, fans eagerly await the AFCON spectacle, wondering if this star-studded squad can clinch the coveted title on home soil.

This diverse selection reflects Ivory Coast’s determination to shine on the continental stage and make AFCON 2023 a tournament to remember.