Champions Ivory Coast to pitch camp in Spain ahead of AFCON 2025

African champions Ivory Coast have planned a 10-day training camp in Spain ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has confirmed.

According to a statement from Ivory Coast official social media pages, the Elephants announced their extensive preparations for Africa’s flagship sports competition as they look to defend their crown.

“The reigning champions will hold a pre-tournament training camp in Marbella, Spain, where the final phase of their build-up will take place,” read a statement signed by Ivorian FA Federation (FIF) president Yacine Idriss Diallo.

“The Elephants, who lifted the trophy on home soil in February 2024, will assemble in Marbella from December10-20 and are expected to play two friendly matches during the camp.”

Ivory Coast to play build matches in Marbella, Spain

According to CAFOnline.com, opponents that Ivory Coast could face during the build-up matches have not yet been officially announced, although one of the fixtures could be against DR Congo.

The camp is designed to fine-tune the squad before they travel to Morocco for the competition, which begins on 21 December. Coach Emerse Faé will name his squad on 9 December before the team regroups the following day.

Ivory Coast endured a mixed November international window, losing 1-0 to Saudi Arabia under former Elephants coach Hervé Renard before responding with a 2-0 victory over Oman.

Ivory Coast will come up against old rivals and five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique in Group F as they look to claim back-to-back titles.

They will kick off their campaign against Mozambique on December 24, face five-time champions Cameroon on December 28, and conclude the group phase against Gabon on December 31.