Côte d'Ivoire Names 24-Man Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifier Against Ghana; Amad Diallo and Simon Adingra Ruled Out

Côte d'Ivoire head coach Hervé Renard has officially unveiled a 24-man squad for the opening rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, headlined by a highly anticipated match against Ghana on September 24. The Elephants are preparing for a busy international window in September and October, which will also see them face Somalia and engage in a high-profile international friendly against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. This qualifier represents a critical juncture for both nations, especially as the Black Stars look to re-establish themselves on the continental stage after missing the previous tournament in Morocco.

Despite the depth of the Ivorian talent pool, the squad will be without several key Premier League stars due to injury. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has been ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury during pre-season training. He is joined on the sidelines by Brighton’s Simon Adingra and defender Wilfried Singo, both of whom are also recovering from recent setbacks. These absences present a challenge for Renard, who must navigate the opening fixtures without some of his most dynamic attacking and defensive options during this critical qualification phase.

To compensate for these losses, Renard has called up a robust group of 24 players, comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and seven attackers. The squad features a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, including Real Madrid’s Yann Diomande and the prolific Nicolas Pepe. Midfield stability is expected to come from stalwarts Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare, who remain central to the Elephants' tactical setup. This balanced selection aims to secure a dominant start in the qualification race while maintaining momentum ahead of the subsequent match against Somalia and the friendly against Cameroon.

For Ghana, the encounter on September 24 serves as a major test of their resurgence and current form. Having failed to qualify for the last AFCON, the Black Stars are under significant pressure to deliver a performance that signals their return to Africa’s footballing elite. Facing the reigning continental powers so early in the campaign provides a stern benchmark for their progress under their current technical setup. As both teams finalize their preparations for the September FIFA international window, football fans across West Africa are bracing for a competitive showdown between two of the continent's most successful footballing nations.