Ivory Coast name squad for September AFCON qualifiers; Yan Diomande called up

The Elephants will begin their AFCON qualifiers this month. Ivory Coast have chosen a strong team for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana, including Real Madrid attacker Yan Diomande and veteran winger Nicolas Pepe. Diomande, who signed for Real Madrid from RB Leipzig this summer, is one of the top players in the team for the September international window. Pepe, who has extensive international exposure, is also featured as Renard sets out for his first meaningful game since rejoining as Côte d’Ivoire coach. However, the Elephants will be missing Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who is recuperating from an injury. According to reports, he is set to miss the first qualifiers against Ghana and Somalia. Ajax winger Simon Adingra is another prominent absence.