Côte d’Ivoire: Sébastien Haller, the turning point before AFCON 2025? | OneFootball

Sébastien Haller, the spark before AFCON 2025

Sébastien Haller/@Le Parisien

Called up by Emerse Faé for the November camp, Sébastien Haller faces stiff competition as he battles to secure a starting spot in a highly competitive attack.

After a goal drought since April 25, the Utrecht striker finally broke his silence, netting the winning goal for his team against Ajax Amsterdam (2-1) last weekend in the Eredivisie.

This goal will surely boost his confidence ahead of the two friendlies against Saudi Arabia (November 14) and Oman (November 18).

With 11 goals in 33 appearances for the Ivorian national team, the former Dortmund striker is eager to use this call-up as an opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch for the Elephants.

The 31-year-old hasn't found the net in national colors since March 24, when his goal handed Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Gambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers the 2026 World Cup.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion has since remained silent against New Zealand, Canada (where he was on the bench), Burundi, Gabon, Seychelles, and Kenya.

It's worth noting that Côte d’Ivoire will compete in Group F at AFCON 2025, alongside Cameroon, Mozambique, and Gabon.