Ivorian head coach Emerse Faé announced his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers in a press conference on Monday, August 26, 2024, held in Abidjan-Plateau. The squad will face Zambia and Chad in critical matches for the Ivory Coast's campaign.

For the upcoming fixtures, Faé has selected a roster of 25 players, with notable inclusions and absences. The first match will be against Zambia on September 6, 2024, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, while the second match against Chad is scheduled for September 10, 2024, at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The squad features three goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Angers SCO), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi), and Badra Sangaré (Sekhukhune United). In defense, Faé has chosen nine players, including Emmanuel Agbadou (Reims), Willy Boly (Nottingham), Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP), Guéla Doué (RC Strasbourg), Odilon Kossonou, Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Christopher Operi (Le Havre), Singo Wilfried (AS Monaco), and Sylla Abakar (RC Strasbourg).

The midfield will include Mohamed Diomandé (Rangers), Maho Dorgelès (Nordsjaelland), Franck Kessié (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham), and Jean Michaël Seri (Al Orobah). Upfront, the squad sees the return of Amad Diallo (Manchester United), who joins Simon Adingra (Brighton), Diakité Oumar (Reims), Evann Guessand (Nice), Sébastien Haller (Dortmund), Christian Kouamé (Fiorentina), Emmanuel Lath (Middlesbrough), and Bénie Traoré (Bâle).

Faé highlighted Diallo’s return, stating, “Amad Diallo has exceptional natural qualities. Left-footed players are rare, and his technical skills are above average. We want him to continue his momentum. Physically and mentally, he has improved significantly. He exudes a sense of wisdom, and it’s the right time for his return.”

The Ivorian coach also confirmed that the same squad would be used for the match against Chad in Yaoundé. However, notable absentees from the squad include Seko Fofana, Ghislain Konan, Lazare Amani, and Nicolas Pépé. Faé explained that team selection is highly competitive and based on players’ current performance. He noted that Seko Fofana and Ghislain Konan are not in optimal condition due to recent transfers and adjustments.

Additionally, Faé announced a change in the goalkeeping coaching staff, with Michaël Fabre replacing Gérard Gnanhouan, who was unavailable due to club commitments.

The Ivory Coast will look to leverage this squad as they aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.