Hervé Renard has returned to the Ivory Coast dugout with a familiar core and a clear appetite for renewal, naming eight uncapped players in his squad for the opening steps of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Renard brings fresh faces into Ivory Coast squad
The French coach is back in charge of the Elephants after previously leading the national side for 18 matches between 2014 and 2015. His latest selection blends established internationals with a sizeable group of newcomers, including several players with close Ligue 1 connections.
Le Havre forward Rayan Fofana is among the first-time call-ups, alongside former Toulouse player Yann Gboho, now at Coventry. Kassoum Ouattara, previously of Monaco and currently with Besiktas, has also been included, as has former Reims midfielder Amadou Koné, who plays for Neom.
Paris FC’s Patrick Zabi and Toulouse player Christ Tapé complete the contingent of current Ligue 1-based newcomers. Estrela Amadora prospect Eddy Doué and Brighton midfielder Malick Yalcouyé are the other two players hoping to make their senior international debuts.
Renard has retained experienced figures at the centre of his plans, with Evan Ndicka, Franck Kessié, Nicolas Pépé and Yan Diomandé forming the backbone of the group.
The Ivory Coast arrive in the new qualifying cycle after a landmark World Cup run. The Elephants reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history before their campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the round of 32.
The first examination of Renard’s renewed squad comes against Ghana on 24 September, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00, in a match that opens Ivory Coast’s road towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
SEO Title: Hervé Renard names eight new Ivory Coast players for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Meta Description: Hervé Renard has selected eight uncapped players, including Le Havre’s Rayan Fofana and Paris FC’s Patrick Zabi, for Ivory Coast’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Ghana.
