Zaha Returns as Ivory Coast Drop Key 2023 AFCON Heroes from 2025 Squad
Zaha Returns as Ivory Coast Drop Key 2023 AFCON Heroes from 2025 Squad
Zaha Returns as Ivory Coast Drop Key 2023 AFCON Heroes from 2025 Squad
Reigning African champions Ivory Coast have announced their squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, unveiling a refreshed lineup that sees the return of Wilfried Zaha while several standout heroes from the 2023 triumph miss out.
The defending champions, who clinched the title on home soil in dramatic fashion last year, will head to Morocco with a squad reshaped by head coach Emerse Fae. His selections signal a bold new direction, with fresh faces introduced and some of the tournament’s past stars surprisingly omitted.
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One of the biggest talking points is the return of Wilfried Zaha. The 33-year-old winger is back in the national team setup for the first time since 2023, ending his long absence that began after a fallout with former coach Patrice Beaumelle.
Zaha has enjoyed a resurgence while on loan at MLS side Charlotte and has even been keeping fit by training with Croydon Athletic — an English non-league club he co-owns. His form and renewed commitment convinced Fae to give him another chance on the continental stage.
However, Zaha’s recall comes at the expense of several key players from the victorious 2023 squad.
Nicolas Pépé, despite featuring regularly for Villarreal and making headlines recently for weighing in on the GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, has been left out. His omission has raised eyebrows among fans who expected to see the experienced forward play a role in the title defence.
Also missing is 23-year-old Simon Adingra — one of the breakout stars of the 2023 tournament. His two assists in the final against Nigeria were crucial to Ivory Coast’s iconic comeback victory, but limited game time at Sunderland this season appears to have cost him his place.
Adingra will now focus on club commitments from December 20.
Emerse Fae’s revamped squad reflects a careful balance of experience and form as Ivory Coast prepare to defend their African crown. With Zaha back in the fold and a host of new faces ready to shine, the Elephants enter AFCON 2025 with renewed ambition — and no shortage of talking points.
Zaha Returns as Ivory Coast Drop Key 2023 AFCON Heroes from 2025 Squad
