Ivory Coast coach Hervé Renard has named a 25-man squad for the Elephants’ upcoming double-header against Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The reigning African football powerhouse will host Gambia at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 12 November before travelling to Bakau for the return fixture on 17 November 2026.
Renard has assembled a squad combining experienced internationals and emerging talents as Ivory Coast look to strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, midfielder Franck Kessié and forward Nicolas Pépé are among the prominent names included in the selection.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré and AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka also feature, providing Renard with experienced options in midfield and defence.
There is also a place for Yan Diomandé, alongside attacking duo Elye Wahi and Ange-Yoan Bonny, as the French coach looks to provide his side with additional attacking options.
One of the major talking points, however, is the inclusion of four players receiving their first call-ups to the Ivorian national team.
Defender Oumar Solet, who recently committed his international future to Ivory Coast, has been handed an opportunity to make his international debut.
He is joined by Abdoul Ouattara, Martial Godo and midfielder Yaya Fofana, who are also included for the first time.
The selections represent an opportunity for the newcomers to establish themselves within the national team setup as Renard assesses his options ahead of the two important encounters.
However, the Elephants will be without left-back Ghislain Konan, whose injury withdrawal represents a setback to the coach’s defensive plans.
Renard’s selection also brings together established names and younger players, with the likes of Kessié, Sangaré and Amad expected to provide leadership and experience.
The inclusion of Christ Inao Oulaï, Malick Yalcouyé and Patrick Zabi further strengthens the midfield options available to the coach.
Ivory Coast will be keen to make home advantage count when they welcome the Gambians in Bouaké before attempting to secure another positive result in the return encounter in Bakau.
The two fixtures present Renard with an opportunity to assess the depth of his squad while continuing preparations for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
With several established internationals retained and four newcomers brought into the fold, the French tactician will hope his selection delivers the desired results against Gambia.
Hervé Renard’s 25-man Ivory Coast squad
Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Rizespor), Mohamed Koné (Charleroi SC), Alban Lafont (Amedspor).
Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou (Beşiktaş), Evan Ndicka (AS Roma), Kassoum Ouattara (Beşiktaş), Ousmane Diomandé (Nottingham Forest), Oumar Solet (Udinese), Luck Zogbé (Brest), Hassane Kamara (Udinese), Abdoul Ouattara (Ipswich Town).
Midfielders: Franck Kessié (Atalanta), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest), Christ Inao Oulaï (Fiorentina), Malick Yalcouyé (Brighton), Patrick Zabi (Paris FC), Yaya Fofana (Reims), Abdoulaye Kanté (Al-Ettifaq).
Forwards: Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan), Bazoumana Touré (Newcastle), Elye Wahi (OGC Nice), Yan Diomandé (Real Madrid), Nicolas Pépé (Villarreal), Martial Godo (RC Strasbourg), Amad Diallo (Manchester United).
