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

Africa 16 March 2025 at 05:23

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.

🚨 Injured in the shoulder yesterday against OGC Nice, Hamed Junior Traoré is out for the next international break with the Elephants of Ivory Coast. ❌

He is replaced by Glasgow Rangers midfielder, Mohamed Diomandé. 🔄

( FIF ) pic.twitter.com/1QYpTSMDLE
— Séléphanto Football 🇨🇮 (@Selephanto) March 15, 2025

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.

🚨🚨🚨 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Hamed Jr Traoré (AJ Auxerre) is replaced by Mohamed Baba Diomandé (Rangers FC) in the 23-man squad for the matches against Burundi and Gambia
— Malick Traoré (@mlktraore) March 15, 2025

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.

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