AFCON 2025: Defending champions Ivory Coast snub 2023 heroes in final squad for Morocco

Ivory Coast have named their squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Wilfried Zaha making a surprise return while key heroes from the 2023 triumph have been left out.

The defending champions head to Morocco with a refreshed squad as Emerse Fae makes bold selections that omit some of the stars who delivered the title.

Wilfried Zaha is back in the national setup for the first time since 2023, ending a long absence that began after a dispute with former coach Patrice Beaumelle.

Now 33, Zaha has been revitalised on loan at MLS side Charlotte and has even been training with English non-league outfit Croydon Athletic, a club he co-owns. His return comes as Emerse Fae reshapes the squad, but not everyone from the previous era has survived the cut.

Nicolas Pepe, who recently settled the GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, misses out despite featuring regularly for Villarreal this season.

Also absent is 23-year-old Simon Adingra, whose two assists in the 2023 AFCON final were instrumental in Ivory Coast’s comeback win over Nigeria.

Limited minutes at Sunderland this season ultimately cost him his place, meaning he will now be available for club duty on December 20.

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)