Ivory Coast announce squad for September AFCON qualifiers with Yan Diomande included

Ivory Coast have named their squad for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, 2026, and Real Madrid forward Yan Diomande has been called up.

Diomande, who signed for Real Madrid from RB Leipzig this summer, is described in the selection as one of the top players for the September international window, while veteran winger Nicolas Pepe is also included as coach Renard prepares for his first meaningful game since rejoining as Côte d’Ivoire coach. CAF identified the Ghana encounter as one of the highlights of the first round of qualifiers. The squad announcement notes absences among usual options due to injury.

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has been left out as he recuperates from an injury and is reported to be set to miss the first qualifiers against Ghana and Somalia. Ajax winger Simon Adingra is another notable omission; the former Brighton striker is recovering from an ankle injury and recently stated that he would need another two to three weeks to reach full fitness. Those absences were cited in the federation’s selection update.

The coaching staff’s list also contains established internationals including Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Ousmane Diomande, and Odilon Kossounou. The selection spans all positions on the field and mixes experienced names with other selections. Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pépé are among the forwards named, while Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré anchor midfield options.

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Alban Lafont, Mohamed Koné. Defenders: Emmanuel Agbadou, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan, Guéla Doué, Ouattara Kassoum, Odilon Kossounou, Ousmane Diomandé, Christ Tapé. Midfielders: Amadou Koné, Eddy Doué, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Christ Inaho Oulai, Malick Yalcouye, Patrick Zabi Gueu. Forwards: Ange-Yoan Bonny, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi, Nicolas Pépé, Ryan Fofana, Yan Diomandé, Yann Gboho.

Ivory Coast are drawn in Group C for the qualifiers. The Ghana game is also listed as occurring on Friday, 25th September at 12:30 am IST against Ghana.