“For us, Sébastien Haller deserves to be selected,” says Emerse Faé

The Ivory Coast coach, Emerse Faé, revealed on Monday, March 10, 2025, his list of called-up players for the 5th and 6th matchdays of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Gambia.

Among the names announced, that of Sébastien Haller particularly catches the eye. His last match in the Ivory Coast jersey dates back to June 7, 2024, against Gabon during the 3rd matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Following that, the former Dortmund striker was overlooked during the six matchdays of the 2025 CAN Morocco qualifiers. This was due to health reasons and club instability. After a period of absence, Sébastien Haller is making his return to the national team, a decision that Faé fully justifies.

“For us, he (Sébastien Haller) deserves to be selected. He’s been consistent in matches, he scored yesterday. For the role he plays in the group, he deserves to be here,” declared the Ivory Coast national coach.

After a mixed first half of the season with Leganes (8 matches), Haller joined FC Utrecht in the Netherlands on January 9, 2025. Under the colors of his former club (2014-2016), the 30-year-old player has regained playing time and form. He currently has 8 appearances in the Dutch championship (Eredivisie) with a goal to his name.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.