The Ivory Coast announced a 23‑man roster for the upcoming international window, marking Gasset’s first selection since returning to the national‑team set‑up. While the squad retains familiar faces such as goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, defender Ousmane Diomande and midfield anchor Franck Kessie, it also features notable omissions, including Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, Evann Guessand and Omar Diakite.
Diallo’s absence is confirmed as injury‑related, leaving the Elephants without one of their most dynamic attacking options. Yan Diomande is expected to spearhead the Ivory Coast attack, hoping to rediscover form after an uneven start to his Real Madrid spell.
Ghana’s 26‑man list, released by head coach Carlos Queiroz, similarly suffers from the loss of key players. Captain Jordan Ayew, Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo and Tottenham midfielder Mohammed Kudus are all unavailable, the latter withdrawing after a recent hamstring injury that kept him out for much of the 2025‑26 season and the World Cup.
Despite the setbacks, Queiroz has bolstered his squad with returning players Alexander Djiku, Nathaniel Adjei, Ibrahim Sulemana, Felix Afena‑Gyan and Ibrahim Osman, providing a blend of experience and fresh impetus for the Black Stars.
Both nations head into the international window with significant gaps in their line‑ups, but retain a core of established talent. Ivory Coast will look to Kessie’s experience and Diomande’s defensive solidity, while Ghana may lean on emerging attackers such as Issahaku, Thomas‑Asante and Nuamah to compensate for the missing stars.