Hervé Renard names eight debutants in first Côte d'Ivoire squad back in charge | OneFootball

Back in charge of Côte d'Ivoire, Hervé Renard has named his first squad for the opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers, including eight debutants, according to L'Équipe.

Renard previously led the Elephants for 18 matches between 2014 and 2015, and has opted for fresh blood on his return.

There are several familiar Ligue 1 names among the newcomers, including Rayan Fofana (Le Havre), Yann Gboho (Coventry, ex-Toulouse), Kassoum Ouattara (Besiktas, ex-Monaco), Amadou Koné (Neom, ex-Reims), Patrick Zabi (Paris FC) and Christ Tapé (Toulouse).

Prospects Eddy Doué (Estrela Amadora) and Malick Yalcouyé (Brighton) are also included.

He will lean on a core featuring Evan Ndicka, Franck Kessié, Nicolas Pépé and Yan Diomandé.

At the World Cup, Côte d'Ivoire achieved a landmark by advancing from the group stage for the first time in their history, before falling to Norway 1-2 in the round of 32.

Their first test under Renard comes on 24 September at 21:00, against Ghana in 2027 AFCON qualifying.

Source: L'Équipe

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