Yaya Toure missing as Ivory Coast launches African title defence

Ivory Coast begins the defence of its African title this weekend without Yaya Toure after the team captain asked not to be selected while he considers his international future.

So, Sunday’s 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in neutral Nigeria is the start of new coach Michel Dussuyer’s reign, and possibly the start of life for the Ivorians without Toure.