Cte dIvoire have named a strong squad for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana, with Real Madrid forward Yan Diomande and experienced winger Nicolas Pepe included in Herv Renards selection.Diomande, who joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig this summer, is among the headline names in the squad for the September international window.Pepe, who brings significant international experience, is also included as Renard prepares for his first competitive game since returning as Cte dIvoire coach.However, the Elephants will be without Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, who is recovering from an injury. Reports indicate he is expected to miss the opening qualifiers against Ghana and Somalia.Ajax winger Simon Adingra is another notable absentee. The former Brighton attacker is recovering from an ankle injury and recently indicated that he needed another two to three weeks to regain full fitness.The squad also features established stars including Franck Kessi, Ibrahim Sangar, Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou.Cte dIvoire will host Ghana in a highly anticipated Group C opener on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouak, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT. CAF has confirmed the fixture as one of the headline matches of the opening round of the qualifiers.The Black Stars will then host The Gambia on September 29, while Cte dIvoire travel to face Somalia on the same day.
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