Herve Renard’s decision to omit Oumar Diakite from the Cote d’Ivoire squad for their two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Gambia has prompted widespread confusion among observers and supporters.
The Elephants manager announced his squad on Thursday for the matches in Bouake on 12 November and Bakau on 17 November, but once again did not include the 22-year-old forward.
Diakite was also left out of Renard’s plans in September and October. His latest omission has attracted particular attention because of his form for Sturm Graz, where he is on loan from Stade de Reims until the end of the season.
The striker has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 11 matches for the Austrian club. He also scored twice in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
On social media in Cote d’Ivoire, supporters voiced their dissatisfaction with what they regard as unfavourable treatment of one of the team’s most popular players.
Renard explained at a news conference that he had selected Ange-Yoan Bonny of Inter Milan and Elye Wahi of Nice instead because Diakite plays in a less competitive league.
The decision means Diakite will miss another important opportunity to contribute to a Cote d’Ivoire side that currently leads Group C jointly with Gambia, with a superior goal difference.
Cote d’Ivoire made a perfect start to the qualifying campaign, beating Ghana 2-0 before defeating Somalia 0-2. Gambia opened with a 2-1 victory over Somalia and then came from behind to beat Ghana 2-4.
Two wins from the upcoming fixtures would put Cote d’Ivoire within touching distance of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.