World Cup 2026 (Q): Hamed Junior Traoré's replacement is known

Injured this Friday while playing for AJ Auxerre in the championship, Hamed Junior Traoré has been ruled out for the 5th and 6th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with the Elephants of Ivory Coast. His replacement has already been named.

The coach of the Ivory Coast Elephants, Emerse Fae, wasted no time in choosing Hamed Traoré Junior's replacement, injured this Friday with AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1. The Ivorian tactician opted for Mohamed Baba Diomandé, a player for Rangers FC in Scotland. The 23-year-old has been heavily utilized in his club this season, boasting 44 matches, crowned with five goals and seven assists.

Mohamed Baba Diomandé will thus join the Ivorian national team for the second time. He will undoubtedly bring his contribution to the success of the matches that the Elephants are set to play against Burundi and Gambia on March 21 and 24.

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.