Wilfried Zaha recalled as Elephants aim to defend title in Morocco.

Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé has named his 26-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Wilfried Zaha making a surprise return and Simon Adingra omitted.

Wilfried Zaha

Zaha, 33, returns after two years, impressing with Charlotte FC in MLS, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists this season. Jean-Michaël Seri also returns from injury.

Adingra

Adingra, a breakout star at the 2023 AFCON, misses out due to limited game time at Sunderland, featuring just nine times this season. Other notable absentees include Nicolas Pépé, Jérémie Boga, Clément Akpa, and Torino defender Wilfried Singo (injured).

Ivory Coast, defending champions, are drawn in Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. Faé hopes his blend of youth and experience can sustain the Elephants’ competitive edge in Morocco.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Mohamed Koné, Alban Lafont
Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Boly Willy, Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doué, Ghislain Konan, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Christopher Operi, Armel Zohouri
Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Christ Inao Oulaï, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jean-Michael Seri
Forwards: Vakoun Bayo, Oumar Diakité, Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande, Sébastien Haller, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Bazoumana Touré, Wilfried Zaha
Standby: Evann Guessand, Parfait Guiagon