AFCON: Ivory Coast replace injured Haller with Evann Guessand

Ivory Coast’s national team has summoned Evann Guessand in place of the injured Sébastien Haller ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Utrecht forward was injured during an Eredivisie game on December 14.

The Elephants are camped in Spain for the upcoming tournament in Morocco. Haller was among the players called up by Emerse Faé to represent Ivory Coast, but the injury he sustained in a 1–1 draw against NAC Breda means he is ruled out of AFCON 2025. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the injury and called on Aston Villa striker Guessand to join the reigning African champions.

FIF sent a goodwill message to the injured Haller. Guessand, 24, has played 11 Premier League games since his move to England from OGC Nice. He failed to score in a league game but netted two goals in the UEFA Europa League. Faé initially selected Haller, but with the tournament set to begin this week and no other option available, the Ivorian coach opted for the French-born striker.

The reigning African champions are in Group F alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. They will kick-start their title defense against Mozambique on December 24 in Marrakech.

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