Ivory Coast: Oumar Diakité returns after 5 months

A boost for Hervé Renard against Gambia

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Ivory Coast: Oumar Diakité returns after 5 months

12.11.26 14:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast

Gambia

His absence had caused considerable discontent among supporters, but Ivory Coast international Oumar Diakité has finally been called up by Hervé Renard for November’s camp.

Oumar Diakité has been called up as a replacement for Ivory Coast’s double-header against Gambia on November 12 in Bouaké and November 17 in Bakau, as part of the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. He replaces Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan), who has withdrawn “for medical reasons”. That is what the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) announced in a statement on Monday, without providing further details.

COMMUNIQUÉ ÉLÉPHANTS : OUMAR DIAKITÉ REMPLACE YOAN BONNY, FORFAIT La Fédération Ivoirienne de Football informe que l’attaquant des Éléphants, Ange-Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan), est forfait pour les 3e et 4e journées des éliminatoires de la CAN 2027, pour raison médicale. Pour pallier son absence, le sélectionneur national, Hervé Renard, a fait appel à l’attaquant du SK Sturm Graz, Oumar Diakité. Il rejoint le groupe des Éléphants en vue de la double confrontation face à la Gambie. La FIF souhaite un prompt rétablissement à Ange-Yoan Bonny et un bon retour en sélection à Oumar Diakité. La Fédération Ivoirienne de Football
— Équipe Nationale de Football Cote d’Ivoire 🇨🇮🐘 (@equipenatciv) November 9, 2026

Oumar Diakité sparked debate

Oumar Diakité’s prolonged absence from the initial list of 25 had been widely discussed in Ivory Coast. This came as the player, on loan from Stade de Reims, made a flying start at Austrian side Sturm Graz, scoring 12 goals in 12 matches.

Hervé Renard had explained the decision by saying that the Abidjan-born player competes in a less competitive league than his rivals, who play in Europe’s Big Five. Bonny’s injury gives him an opportunity to prove his worth.

Diakité ends five-month absence

After missing out in September, his return has been welcomed by supporters. Oumar Diakité had not been part of the Elephants squad since the 2026 World Cup, played in June and July under former coach Emerse Faé. Left on the bench for the first two group matches, he came on for the final 23 minutes against Curaçao and played three minutes in the round of 32 against Norway.

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Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.