Diomande and Diallo: The infusion of youth Ivory Coast needed

Defending champions Ivory Coast remain a contender at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and while usual contributors like captain Franck Kessié continue to be key players, the emergence of young attackers Yan Diomande and Amad Diallo are a big reason for the Elephants’ strong start in Morocco.

Amad played the magic pass, and Diamonde said thank you. 🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/thd8FpxO6y

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026

After a strong 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign that saw them qualify with relative ease, Ivory Coast did not quite have the hype and buzz that comes with being a defending champion. There were no doubts about the talent in the squad but it lacked a spark on the attacking end. All despite the fact that the Elephants did not concede a single goal over ten World Cup qualifying matches.

But they were doing just enough. 1-0 victories over the likes of The Gambia and Burundi as well as a 0-1 friendly defeat to New Zealand in June caused worry. Also, qualifying for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations saw the Elephants finish a disappointing second in their qualifying group behind Zambia after falling to the Chipolopolo as well as Sierra Leone at the end of 2024.

Coach Emerse Faé could have stuck with his established players since the results were good enough. But the 2023 AFCON winner decided to make a major change in the second half of 2025 during preparations for the current tournament. Incumbent attackers such as Nicolas Pépé as well as 2023 AFCON heroes Sébastien Haller and Simon Adingra were dropped and in came Diomande and Diallo along with previously discarded veteran Wilfried Zaha.

Amad Diallo’s finishes are captivating. Just look. 🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/REbRjnny9O

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026

The rise of Diomande and Diallo at the tournament in Morocco came under different circumstances. Diallo, now 23 years of age and well-established with Manchester United from his performances in the English Premier League, is finally being given his opportunity with the Elephants and grabbing it with both hands.

Calls for the prodigy to represent the national team came soon after he completed a major transfer to United at the age of 18. But Diallo needed time to adjust to the demands of the Premier League with his limited professional experience at previous club Atalanta in Italy.

Despite a moment of brilliance for his first national team goal in a 2021 friendly against neighbors Burkina Faso, he was overlooked for other talented Ivorian attackers due to little playing time in his early days with United. Since his debut with the West African nation in March 2021, Diallo had only made five appearances before re-emerging as a regular for the Elephants a few months ago in September.

The contributions did not come immediately for the talented and creative winger upon his return to the Ivorian XI in a 1-0 victory over Burundi on September 5 in World Cup qualifying. Nor did he provide a moment of brilliance four days later when he was selected for a crucial 0-0 draw at Gabon.

But after earning his place in the Manchester United team through hard work, coach Faé knew it was only a matter of time before Amad’s talent would bear fruit. Diallo now has three goals and an assist through four matches in Morocco and most importantly, his confidence with the national team is as high as its ever been.

For Diomande, the 19-year-old phenom who now plays his club football at German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, his rise came out of nowhere for both club and country.

🔝 Qué forma de estrenarse.
🔥 Qué momento para marcar.

🥒⚽️ Yan Diomandé y un gol VITAL para el @CDLeganes.#DesenlaceLALIGA | #LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/AnA6DlK5EX

— LALIGA (@LaLiga) May 14, 2025

The forward only became a professional player when he signed for Spanish club Leganés in November 2024 but quickly rose to the ranks of the club’s senior team by January last year. A hot start to life in Spain led to his transfer to RB Leipzig only six months later, where he now has 7 goals and 3 assists in 16 matches. The continuation of the 19-year-old’s hot form made him impossible for Elephants coach Faé to not consider.

Called in for his first Ivory Coast appearances in friendlies against Seychelles and Kenya in October, Diomande scored a goal in each match. Much like his early club career, the forward was an instant success.

Swiftly done, Yan Diomande. The @RexonaNG Move of the Day. 💫🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/wGw0t6g75S

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 7, 2026

Similarly to Diallo, Diomande is an explosive player on the ball who loves to run at opposing defenders. The combination of the two talents gives the Ivorian attack more urgency and directness, a perfect compliment to the pace and talent in the squad. While Pépé and Haller slowed down the Elephants’ rampage, the new dynamic duo is relentless and allows the team to impose itself.

In addition, another talented young attacker made his first strong impression in the 3-0 Round of 16 victory over Burkina Faso. Bazoumana Touré, who also enjoyed a rapid rise in his club career that saw the 19-year-old move from top Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas to German Bundesliga club Hoffenheim in less than a year, has scored twice in Morocco after coming off the bench.

From his own half to the back of the net, 88m later, Bazoumana Touré seals it. 🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/dDzevXZugC

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 7, 2026

A difficult clash awaits on Saturday against Egypt in the quarterfinals for the Elephants. However, the decision of coach Faé to revitalize his attack with these young stars has proven to be an excellent move. The defense and midfield remain strong and composed but a youthful attack now makes Ivory Coast unpredictable in a good way, while adding life and credibility to their title defense.