Defending champions Ivory Coast have recalled 33-year-old former Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The veteran attacker, now with Major League Soccer side Charlotte, returns to the Elephants setup as part of a 26-man squad placed in Group F alongside Mozambique, Cameroon and Gabon.
Zaha’s comeback is notable because he was left out of the squad last year when Ivory Coast narrowly advanced from the group stage before staging an impressive turnaround and defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final in Abidjan. His reinstatement signals a stronger focus on experience as the nation prepares to defend its title.
Head coach Emerse Fae explained the decision while unveiling the squad on Ivorian television. He said, “We need experienced players. In the case of Zaha, his ability to beat defenders and his current form worked in his favour.” Zaha, who had brief stints at Manchester United earlier in his career, was capped twice by England before fully committing to the Ivorian national team. His pace, creativity and confidence in one-on-one situations remain valuable assets for a side targeting a fourth AFCON crown.
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Zaha is not the only experienced figure returning. Slovenia-based midfielder Jean-Michael Seri has also been included after recovering from a long injury spell that ruled him out since October of the previous year. His passing range and composure in midfield provide depth behind regular starters such as Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana.
The squad also features strong Premier League representation, including Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who continues to grow in prominence. Two standby players were named, with Aston Villa striker Evann Guessand among them.
Some established names, however, did not make the final list. Sunderland winger Simon Adingra, who played a crucial role in the 2024 AFCON triumph, was excluded. Fae commented on the decision, saying, “Simon is struggling to earn a starting spot at Sunderland and we will have to do without his qualities.” Spain-based former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe also missed out.
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The Elephants are chasing their fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1992 and 2015 after intense penalty shootouts against Ghana, and again in 2024. The selected squad blends established veterans with rising talents, aiming to replicate the resilience that defined their last championship run.
The defensive lineup includes Emmanuel Agbadou, Willy Boly, Ousmane Diomande, Ghislain Konan and Evan Ndicka, offering a mix of Premier League, Serie A and Portuguese league experience. In midfield, the presence of Kessie, Sangare, and Seri ensures stability and control, while the attack features a strong mix of power and flair through Sebastien Haller, Vakoun Bayo, Jean-Philippe Krasso and emerging Bundesliga talent Bazoumana Toure.
Below is the full squad chosen for the tournament:
Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Caykur Rizespor/TUR), Mohamed Kone (Charleroi/BEL), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos/GRE)
Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolverhampton Wanderers/ENG), Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting/POR), Guela Doue (Strasbourg/FRA), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente/POR), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta/ITA), Evan Ndicka (Roma/ITA), Christopher Operi (Istanbul Basaksehir/TUR), Armel Zohouri (Iberia 1999/GEO)
Midfielders: Seko Fofana (Rennes/FRA), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Metz/FRA), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor/TUR), Franck Kessie (Al Ahli/KSA), Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest), Jean-Michael Seri (Maribor/SLO)
Forwards: Vakoun Bayo (Udinese/ITA), Oumar Diakite (Cercle Brugge/BEL), Amad Diallo (Manchester Utd/ENG), Yan Diomande (Leipzig/GER), Sebastien Haller (Utrecht/NED), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Paris FC/FRA), Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim/GER), Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte/USA)
Standby: Evann Guessand (Aston Villa/ENG), Parfait Guiagon (Charleroi/BEL)
By Yockshard Enyendi
