The Ivory Coast national team continues to look stronger and stronger as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations approaches early next year and the Elephants will certainly be among the favorites when they host the competition. Head coach Jean-Louis Gasset has another talented player at his disposal after Eintracht Frankfurt central defender Evan Ndicka completed his switch of international allegiance to be included in the latest squad for the Elephants.
The former French youth national team player joins for Ivory Coast’s 2023 AFCON qualifying clash on June 17 against Zambia which will take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the Zambian Copperbelt city of Ndola. Ivory Coast are currently at the top of Group H, one point ahead of Zambia who will join the Elephants at the finals with a draw or a victory.
Gasset and his team are bringing plenty of experience for what will be the most difficult match of qualifying for the Ivorians against a Zambian team who can secure qualification for the finals with a draw or victory. Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessié is included as well as several other familiar veterans like Nottingham Forest defender Serge Aurier, Turkish-based playmaker Max Gradel and left back Ghislain Konan. PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré is another regular who should be in the eleven for Gasset.
Rising stars like defender Wilfried Singo as well as forwards Karim Konaté and Simon Adingra are also included. Several notable names are not in the squad with Gasset taking the opportunity to rest some players who just completed long seasons in European football. Borussia Dortmund striker Sébastien Haller and Lens midfielder Seko Fofana will not be with the team as well as Nicolas Pépé and Wilfried Zaha. Talented young attacker Amad Diallo is another notable absence following a productive season on loan from Manchester United to English second tier club Sunderland.
The full list of players is below.
