Côte d'Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé has announced his final 26-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), making headlines with the notable omissions of dynamic wingers Nicolas Pépé and Simon Adingra.
The defending champions are set to begin their title defense later this month, but they will do so without two of their most recognizable attacking threats.
The squad announcement was delivered at a press conference in Abidjan on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Sunderland's Simon Adingra was a pivotal figure in the team's triumphant 2023 AFCON campaign, with his electrifying performances proving crucial to their success.
Meanwhile, the former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pépé, currently playing in Spain, has been a long-standing fixture for the national team.
Faé's decision to bypass them suggests a strategic shift as the team prepares for the demanding tournament environment in Morocco.
In a move that balances the surprise omissions, veteran winger Wilfried Zaha has been recalled to the squad after a long absence from the national team setup.
The Charlotte forward’s return provides a major boost of experience and star quality to an otherwise evolving attacking line.
Zaha's proven ability on the world stage will be a key asset for Faé as he integrates new talent and aims to navigate a tricky Group F that includes Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea, and Mauritania.
The Ivorian team will gather for a training camp before their opening match against Mozambique on December 24, 2025, with all eyes on how the new-look squad will perform under pressure.
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