Hervé Renard, the head coach of Côte d’Ivoire, has announced the Elephants’ squad for the upcoming international break that will see the team face Ghana and Somalia in September and October. The first fixture, a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, will be played on September 24 in Bouaké against the Black Stars, Ghana’s national side, as both teams open their qualifying campaigns. Ghana is eager to return to the continental stage after missing the last tournament in Morocco.
Renard’s selection includes Real Madrid forward Yann Diomande and Spain‑based Nicolas Pepe, both of whom have been in the spotlight for their club performances. The squad also features Christ Inao, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA, alongside a host of domestic talents such as Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare, Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Emmanuel Agbadou and Guela Doue.
The full list of players called up for the break also covers the upcoming matches against Somalia and Cameroon. The Elephants will look to build momentum from the opening game in Bouaké as they prepare for the rest of the AFCON qualifying cycle.
