Cote d’Ivoire will be without Emmanuel Abgadou for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against The Gambia after the defender was ruled out with injuries to his thigh and knee.
The Federation Ivoirienne de Football (FIF) confirmed the withdrawal two days before the return fixture, which will be played in Bakau as part of the fourth round of qualifying.
Abgadou has returned to Besiktas to continue his treatment. The centre-back did not feature in Thursday’s first-leg victory over The Gambia in Bouake, where Cote d’Ivoire won 2-1.
His absence had been anticipated by the FIF’s decision on Saturday to call up Jean Ives Valou from the under-23 squad. The 20-year-old, who plays for Getafe, is a versatile central defender and has been brought into the senior group for the trip.
Cote d’Ivoire could strengthen their position at the top of the qualifying group with another victory in Bakau. A second successive win over The Gambia would give the Elephants a six-point advantage over the Scorpions, who are currently second.
The Elephants have made a perfect start to their campaign, winning both of their opening matches against Ghana and Somalia at the end of September. They beat Ghana 2-0 before recording a 2-0 victory away to Somalia.
The return meeting with The Gambia is the fourth round of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
