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Manchester United's Amad Dialo snubbed as Ivory Coast name strong squad to face Gabon and Kenya in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ivory Coast has named a strong and experienced squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Gabon and Kenya, scheduled for June 7 and June 11 respectively.
The Ivorians, who triumphed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil in February, are eager to maintain their impressive form from recent friendlies.
Head coach Emerse Fae has retained the core of the squad that achieved AFCON glory, including notable players like Champions League finalist Sebastien Haller and defender Evan Ndicka.
Haller, who scored the decisive goal against Nigeria in the AFCON final, remains a key player. Ndicka, who has made a significant impact since recovering from a health scare in April, also features prominently in the squad.
However, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has been surprisingly omitted, despite ending the season strongly with the Premier League giants.
In a notable development Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande, previously called up by Ghana for their March friendlies, has chosen to represent Ivory Coast, adding depth to Fae's midfield options.
Goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare, who plays for South Africa’s Sekhukhune United, has also been included, highlighting the diverse range of talent at Fae’s disposal.
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13:00 - 23.05.2024
Firat optimistic about Okumu, Ouma's return for 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Firat is hopeful that key defenders Joseph Okumu and Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma will be available for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Ivory Coast will kick off their qualifiers against Gabon at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo at 9:00 PM EAT on June 7. Four days later, they will face Kenya in Malawi at 3:00 PM EAT, with the Elephants looking to build on their recent success.
Goalkeepers
Yahia Fofana, Kone Mohamed, Sangare Badra Ali
Defenders
Agbadou Emmanuel, Doue Guela, Willy Boly, Ousmanne Diomande, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Christopher Operi, Wilfried Singo
Midfielders
Lazare Amani, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie, Mohamed Diomande, Jean Michael Seri
Forwards
Simon Adingra, Mohamed Bamba, Jeremie Boga, Oumar Diakite, Evann Guessand, Sebastien Haller, Nicolas Pepe, Emmanuel Lath
13:00 - 23.05.2024
Firat optimistic about Okumu, Ouma's return for 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Firat is hopeful that key defenders Joseph Okumu and Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma will be available for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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