AFCON 2025: Ivory Coast Make Shock Recall as Wilfried Zaha Returns to the Squad
Defending champions Ivory Coast have delivered one of the biggest surprises of the AFCON 2025 build-up after recalling Wilfried Zaha to their 26-man squad for the tournament in Morocco.
The 33-year-old winger, who last played for the Elephants three years ago, had been dropped ahead of AFCON 2023 — a campaign the Ivorians famously won on home soil. But head coach Emerse Faé confirmed that he has been in direct contact with the Charlotte FC winger “for several months” as he looked to refresh the team’s attacking options.
“We Need Experience” — Faé Explains Zaha’s Return
Speaking on national television, Faé said Zaha’s one-v-one ability and current form made the decision straightforward.
“We saw that we need experienced players. In Zaha’s case, his ability to beat defenders and his current form worked in his favour.”
Zaha, who previously represented England before switching to Ivory Coast, now gets a fresh chance to reignite his international career on the continent’s biggest stage.
Seri Also Recalled, Big Names Dropped
Another veteran returning to the setup is Jean-Michael Seri, 34, who has battled long-term injury and has not featured for the Elephants since October 2024. Now playing in Slovenia, the midfielder adds depth and calm to the centre of the pitch.
But the squad announcement also came with major omissions:
- Simon Adingra — a key figure during the AFCON 2023 triumph
- Nicolas Pépé — another experienced attacking option
- Wilfried Singo — ruled out completely due to injury
Faé explained that Adingra’s lack of regular club minutes at Sunderland affected his selection.
Group F Awaits: Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon
Ivory Coast begin their title defence on 24 December in Marrakech, facing Mozambique before meeting Cameroon and Gabon in a competitive Group F.
Full squad listed below:
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast AFCON 2025 Squad
Goalkeepers:
Yahia Fofana (Rizespor), Mohamed Kone (Charleroi), Alban Lafont (Panathinaikos)
Defenders:
Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolves), Willy Bolly (Nottingham Forest), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting), Guela Doué (Strasbourg), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Metz), Jean-Ghislain Konan (Gil Vicente), Odilon Kossounou (Atalanta), Evan Ndicka (Roma), Christopher Operi (Basaksehir), Armel Zohouri (Iberia 1999)
Midfielders:
Seko Fofana (Rennes), Christ Oulai (Trabzonspor), Franck Kessié (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest), Jean-Michael Seri (Maribor)
Forwards:
Vakoun Bayo (Udinese), Oumar Diakité (Cercle Bruges), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Yvan Diomande (RB Leipzig), Sébastien Haller (Utrecht), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Paris FC), Bazoumana Touré (Hoffenheim), Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC)
