Blow for Ivory Coast as Sébastien Haller ruled out of AFCON

Sébastien Haller, who spearheaded Ivory Coast to the Africa Cup of Nations title in the last edition, has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which kicks off on Sunday in Morocco owing to an injury.

In an official statement posted on social media, the Ivorian Football Federation announced that Haller will not take part in the AFCON 2025.

In his absence, Ivory Coast have replaced him with Evann Guessand, who plays for Aston Villa in England.

Below is the full statement;

“The Ivorian Football Federation informs the press, partners, and the sporting public that Ivorian international Sebastien Haller, called up by national coach Émerse Fae for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, has withdrawn due to an injury sustained on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with FC Utrecht.

Sebastien Haller will therefore be replaced by Evann Guessand, a player for Aston Villa, who was initially on the reserve list.

The Ivorian Football Federation wishes Sebastien Haller, 2023 African champion, a speedy recovery and reiterates its full support.”

During the 2023 edition, Haller scored against DR Congo in the semifinals for a 1-0 win, which qualified his country to the final. He later scored the winning goal in the final match against Nigeria which ended in a 2-1 victory.

In Morocco, Ivory Coast have been placed in Group F alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique. They will kick off their campaign against the Mambas of Mozambique at Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday, December 24.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.