Herve Renard has brought Jean Ives Valou into the Cote d’Ivoire senior squad for Tuesday’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against The Gambia, with the 20-year-old defender joining the team from the Under-23s.
The call-up was announced by the Federation ivoirienne de football (FIF) on Saturday evening, three days before the return fixture at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The match will be the fourth round of qualifying for CAN 2027.
Valou, a central defender who has made seven appearances for Getafe this season, had initially been included in the Under-23 squad. He has now left that training camp to reinforce Renard’s senior group for the decisive meeting with The Gambia.
His departure leaves Sebastien Bannier without one of his players for another important fixture on Tuesday. The Cote d’Ivoire Under-23 side will face Kenya in Abidjan in the second leg of the second round of the preliminary qualifying competition for the African tournament in that age group.
Bannier’s team must overturn a 2-1 defeat by Kenya in Nairobi last Wednesday if they are to reach the third and final qualifying round. Valou’s release to the senior squad means the Under-23s will have to attempt that recovery without the young defender.
The promotion also gives Valou the opportunity to make his first appearance for the Cote d’Ivoire senior team. He could earn his first cap only a few days after receiving his first call-up at that level.
Cote d’Ivoire hold the advantage in the senior qualifying group after beating The Gambia 2-1 in Thursday’s first meeting in Bouake. Malick Yalcouye and Elye Wahi scored for the hosts in that match.
A second victory over The Gambia would put Cote d’Ivoire in a strong position ahead of their following fixture against Ghana. Should Renard’s side win in Bakau, a draw against Ghana in the next match would be enough to secure qualification for CAN 2027.
Renard’s decision to draw from the Under-23 squad comes as Cote d’Ivoire prepare for a fixture that could significantly strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign. At the same time, Bannier’s side face their own requirement to overturn the narrow deficit against Kenya if they are to continue their route towards the final preliminary round.