In a statement issued on October 3, 2024, the Ivorian Football Federation announced that player Ousmane Diomandé has been ruled out for the upcoming matches in the 3rd and 4th rounds of the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Morocco due to medical reasons.

The international player from Sporting Portugal sustained an ankle injury on October 1, 2024, during the second day of the Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven. This unfortunate setback has forced the national team coach, Emerse Faé, to seek a replacement.

As a result, Cédric Kipré, a central defender from Stade de Reims, has been called up to take Diomandé's place for this FIFA window scheduled from October 7 to 15, 2024.

The Ivorian team is gearing up for its matches in hopes of qualifying for the prestigious tournament, despite this unexpected change in their lineup. The federation has urged fans to rally behind the team as they navigate through these qualifiers.