Wilfried Zaha has earned a surprise recall to the Ivory Coast squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after two years away from international duty, Afrosport reports.
The 33-year-old was previously out of favour and missed the Elephants’ title-winning campaign at AFCON 2023, which was held in 2024.
Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae confirmed on Tuesday that he had rebuilt his relationship with the former Crystal Palace winger and feels Zaha’s flair can still make a difference.
Zaha, currently on loan at Charlotte FC from Galatasaray, has also kept fit by training with Croydon Athletic since the end of the MLS season.
“We saw that we need experienced players,” said Fae. In Zaha’s case, his ability to beat defenders and his current form worked in his favour,” said Fae while unveiling his squad list.
However, two notable absentees from the squad are Villarreal forward Nicolas Pepe and Sunderland star Simon Adingra. Pepe has missed recent internationals and will not feature in Morocco, while Adingra, who impressed during Ivory Coast’s last triumph, misses out after limited minutes at Sunderland this season.
“Simon has faced fierce competition for his position,” Fae explained. “He’s struggling to earn a starting spot [at his club, Sunderland]. We had to do without his qualities when making our selection.”
There is good news for Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, who has been rewarded for a strong run of performances. The 23-year-old could miss up to seven matches for his club if Ivory Coast progress deep into the tournament.
Sebastien Haller, scorer of the winning goal in the last final, is also included. Defender Wilfried Singo misses out due to injury.
Ivory Coast begin their AFCON campaign against Mozambique on 24 December in Marrakech, before meeting Cameroon and Gabon in Group F.
Full Ivory Coast squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Caykur Rizespor), Mohamed Kone (Charleroi), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos)
Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolves), Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting), Guela Doue (Strasbourg), Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta), Evan Ndicka (Roma), Christopher Operi (Istanbul Basaksehir), Armel Zohouri (Iberia 1999)
Midfielders: Seko Fofana (Rennes), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Metz), Christ Inao Oulai (Trabzonspor), Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli), Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest), Jean-Michael Seri (Maribor)
Forwards: Vakoun Bayo (Udinese), Oumar Diakite (Cercle Brugge), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig), Sebastien Haller (Utrecht), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Paris FC), Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte)
Reserves: Evann Guessand (Aston Villa), Guiagon Parfait (Royal Charleroi)
