Oumar Diakité called up after scoring twice
The striker replaces Ange-Yoan Bonny who withdrew from the Ivory Coast squad for medical reasons.
Ivory Coast striker Oumar Diakité scored two goals for Sturm Graz on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in a 3-4 loss to Red Bull Salzburg. This performance came three days after he was omitted from Hervé Renard's 25-player squad for upcoming matches.
Ange-Yoan Bonny of Inter Milan will miss the third and fourth matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to a medical issue. The Ivorian Football Federation announced Diakité's recall on Monday, November 9, to join the Elephants for their double-header against Gambia.
Diakité, previously left out by Renard who questioned the Austrian league's level, has been scoring regularly for Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga and Europa League. His last national team appearance was at the 2026 World Cup. The Elephants will play Gambia on November 12 in Bouaké and again on November 17 in Bakau.
Why it mattersOumar Diakité has been recalled to the Ivory Coast national football team for crucial CAN 2027 qualifiers after his club form was highlighted by a two-goal performance.