Ivory Coast Prepares for 2024 CHAN Qualifiers Against Burkina Faso with Veteran Gbohouo’s Return

The Ivory Coast national football team is preparing to play a 2024 African Nations Championship qualifier against Burkina Faso. The second match will be held in Bamako, Mali, because Burkina Faso lacks a sufficient stadium. The first match will be held on December 22 in Abidjan.

A key figure in this preparation is Sylvain Gbohouo, the veteran goalkeeper who returns to the national fold for the first time since being banned by FIFA for 18 months following a positive drug test. Now playing for Africa Sports in Ivory Coast Ligue 1, the 36-year-old is eager to contribute to the Local Elephants as they seek a place in next year’s finals in East Africa.

In an interview with the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Gbohouo said, "This is my first time playing with the national team from my country." He showed excitement for the upcoming challenge. He added, "It's a really fun challenge. I want to give my best and use my experience to help the team." Gbohouo also mentioned, "Even when I couldn't play because of my suspension, I kept training," showing his determination to keep working despite the setback. He said, "I stayed ready, and I will stay ready for the team."

Before the matches, the Local Elephants' main coach, Romaric N'Dri, spoke to the team. N'Dri, who used to play as a midfielder for the Ivorian national team, is now guiding the team with the aim of getting a good result, even though they face difficulties.

"We don't have all the players we'd like because some are busy with their clubs, but we can't use that as a reason. Our plan is to win the game without letting the other team score," N'Dri explained.

The squad is made up of 25 players, including seven from AFAD, who have been preparing through five friendly matches, including games against Morocco, Guinea, and local Ivorian clubs.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Okahi Guy Franck (AFAD), Kouamé Kouadio Maurice (Zoman FC), Sylvain Gbohouo (Africa Sports)

Defenders: Britto Dagou Willie (ISCA), Zouzou Landry Angenor Ahoutou (AFAD), Zadi Zokou Benito (AFAD), Bah Bi Donald (Stella Club), Koné Samba (AFAD), Tchegbé Adico Joseph Archange (RCA), Bregui Vianey Arnold Baltimez (ISCA), Kpéa Hamed Guy-Romain (RCA)

Midfield: Sidibé Alpha Stéphane (FC San Pedro), Coulibaly Sanga Topio (AFAD), Kacou Luc Stéphane (AFAD), Yameogo Thibaud Apollinaire (ISCA), Tapé Kader (Yamoussoukro FC)

Forwards: Wawa Christ Ivan Alex (RCA), Konaté Oumar (Sol FC), Bedi Guy Stéphane (FC San Pedro), Ecua Ecua Célestin (Zoman FC), Traoré Amara (SO Armée), Gnahoua Daniel Elie Josué (AFAD), Bah Keassé Paul Henri (SO Armée), Ojo Ashiraf (Stella), Loua Pacôme (ISCA)

The Local Elephants will be looking to secure a strong start in the qualifiers as they aim for a place in the 2024 CHAN finals.