Ivory Coast have appointed former international defender Mamadou Doumbia as head coach of their under-23 national team, marking the start of a new chapter for the side.
Doumbia, who holds a UEFA A Licence, will take charge of the team while continuing in his current role with OSGL, a club based in the Lyon region of France.
His first assignment is set to come within days, with the young Elephants scheduled to face Morocco in a friendly match.
The fixture is expected to serve as an early test of Doumbia’s approach and signals the beginning of a new era for Ivory Coast’s U23 setup under the guidance of a former player with top-level experience.
Born in Abidjan, Doumbia began his football journey at the Académie de Sol Beni, widely regarded as one of the country’s most successful development institutions.
His performances there earned him promotion to ASEC Mimosas during the 1999–2000 season, where he established himself as a reliable defender.
In July 2006, he moved to Europe, signing for French club FC Istres in a deal worth €350,000.
The transfer marked a significant step in his career, as he transitioned into European football.
Doumbia spent six years at Istres, gaining valuable experience and consistency at club level.
He later joined Le Mans on 22 June 2011, continuing his career in France’s Ligue 2, where he further developed his understanding of the game.
His time in Europe, combined with his experience representing Ivory Coast, is expected to play a key role in shaping his coaching philosophy.
Doumbia’s appointment reflects a broader effort to build a competitive pathway for young players progressing through the national ranks.
With the U23 side often seen as a bridge between youth and senior international football, his role will be crucial in preparing players for the demands of elite competition.
The upcoming friendly against Morocco will offer an early indication of how quickly Doumbia can implement his ideas, as well as provide an opportunity to assess the current pool of talent available to him.
