AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Ange-Yoan Bonny ruled out, Oumar Diakité called up as replacement

Côte d’Ivoire will have to do without one of their attacking players for the double-header against The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Inter Milan striker Ange-Yoan Bonny will be unable to respond to head coach Hervé Renard’s call-up.

He has been forced to withdraw for medical reasons, the Ivorian Football Federation announced in a statement. To make up for Ange-Yoan Bonny’s absence, Hervé Renard has called up his replacement.

The Elephants’ manager has called up Oumar Diakité. The Ivorian striker, who has been in fine form for Sturm Graz since the start of the season, is joining the squad in Abidjan for pre-match preparations.

Having missed the previous international break, Oumar Diakité will feature in the third and fourth matchdays of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with Côte d’Ivoire.

Hervé Renard’s squad began their training camp on Sunday 8 November in Abidjan ahead of the double-header against The Gambia on 12 and 17 November.