Wilfried Zaha recalled by Ivory Coast for AFCON as Amad Diallo included, Nicolas Pepe left out | OneFootball

According to Goal.com, Wilfried Zaha has been recalled by Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations after two years out, with the 33-year-old Charlotte FC winger earning a surprise place in Emerse Fae’s 26-man squad. He fell out of favour after disagreements with former coach Patrice Beaumelle and missed the hosts’ title win in 2023.

Fae said he had spent months rebuilding the relationship and picked Zaha for his ability to beat defenders and current form. The former Crystal Palace forward is on loan at Charlotte from Galatasaray.

Two big names are absent. Nicolas Pepe, once Arsenal’s record buy and now at Villarreal, is left out after missing November camps despite regular La Liga minutes. Simon Adingra, 23, who assisted in the 2023 final, has only nine appearances and four starts for Sunderland, and fierce competition for wide roles told against him.

Manchester United’s Amad Diallo is included. A regular under Ruben Amorim, he has 14 Premier League appearances, 13 starts, with one goal and three assists. Bournemouth on Monday should be his last United game before he joins up, and he could miss up to seven matches, including Brighton in the FA Cup and the derby on 17 January, if Ivory Coast reach the final a day later.

Sebastien Haller, the 2024 final match-winner against Nigeria, is also in, while defender Wilfried Singo misses out injured. Ivory Coast open against Mozambique in Marrakech on 24 December, then play Cameroon and Gabon in Group F.

Source: Goal.com