Sebastien Haller has returned to Ivory Coast's squad for next month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while coach Hervé Renard has retained the core of the team that secured World Cup qualification.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is back among the Elephants' attacking options after being included in a 25-man squad for September and October's FIFA international window.
Ivory Coast begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a high-profile Group C clash against Ghana in Bouaké on 24 September, before travelling to face Somalia in Djibouti on 29 September. Fae's side will then host Cameroon in an international friendly on 3 October.
The squad features several players from Europe's top leagues, including goalkeeper Alban Lafont, defenders Evan Ndicka and Odilon Kossounou, and midfielders Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare.
- Strong spine retained
Fae has largely stuck with the experienced core that has helped Ivory Coast establish itself among Africa's leading teams.
Lafont is joined by Yahia Fofana and Mohamed Koné in the goalkeeping department.
The defence includes Wolves defender Emmanuel Agbadou, Roma's Ndicka, Bayer Leverkusen's Kossounou and young full-back Guela Doué, alongside Kassoum Ouattara, Ousmane Diomandé, Christ Tapé and Ghislain Konan.
In midfield, former AC Milan captain Kessie and Nottingham Forest's Sangare provide experience, while Christ Inao, Patrick Zabi, Malick Yacoulye, Amadou Koné and Eddy Doué offer additional options.
- Haller boosts attack
Haller's return strengthens an attack that also features Nicolas Pépé, Yoane Wissa, Yoan Bonny, Elie Wahi, Yann Gboho, Bazoumana Touré and Ryan Fofana.
The striker, who scored the winning goal in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, will hope to make another decisive contribution as Ivory Coast target a strong start to qualifying.
- Key test against Ghana
The opening fixture against Ghana is expected to be one of the standout matches of the qualifying campaign, with both West African rivals seeking early control of Group C.
After facing Somalia away from home, Ivory Coast will conclude the international window with a friendly against Cameroon at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, giving Fae another opportunity to assess his squad before the qualifiers resume.
Ivorian footballer Malick Yalcouyé falsely accused of lying about his age
South Africa's president taken ill after BRICS summit
Chief Justice praising government policies is problematic – Kwesi Pratt
Police interdict seven officers for allegedly forcing victim to withdraw money f...
GAF ready to deepen defence cooperation with Russia – Major General Annan
WHO sees 'encouraging signs' in DR Congo Ebola response but says outbreak 'far f...
GRA challenges GH¢79.65m Servestar Minwax judgment debt
Government allocates GH¢1.98bn to school feeding programme in 2026 — Gender Mini...
DVLA boss calls for modernisation of learner’s licence acquisition process
EPA shuts down Empire Cement over alleged environmental breaches
