AFCON 2025: Tragedy for defending champions Ivory Coast as 2023 hero is ruled out with injury

Defending African champions Ivory Coast have been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Sebastien Haller, the striker whose goals inspired their fairytale triumph in 2023, has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Haller was forced to withdraw from the squad after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for FC Utrecht in the Dutch league last weekend.

The 31-year-old had travelled to the national team’s training camp in Marbella, Spain, where he underwent treatment, but the Ivorian Football Federation confirmed on Friday that he would not recover in time for the tournament.

In his absence, Ivory Coast have called up 24-year-old forward Evann Guessand of Aston Villa as a replacement.

Haller’s withdrawal is particularly painful given his remarkable story at the 2023 AFCON, where he returned from cancer treatment, overcame an ankle injury during the competition, and went on to score the decisive goals in both the semi-final and final.

Ivory Coast begin the defence of their title against Mozambique in Marrakech on Wednesday, now without their inspirational match-winner.

Haller’s injury compounds a period of transition for the Elephants, who have opted for a refreshed squad under head coach Emerse Fae.

Several heroes from the 2023 triumph have been left out as Ivory Coast look to reshape their team for the new challenge.

Wilfried Zaha is the most notable returnee, with the 33-year-old recalled for the first time since 2023 after resolving issues that kept him out under former coach Patrice Beaumelle.

However, there is no place for Nicolas Pepe despite his regular involvement at Villarreal, while Simon Adingra also misses out after limited game time at Sunderland this season.

With familiar faces absent and their 2023 talisman sidelined, Ivory Coast head into AFCON 2025 facing an uphill task to defend their crown.