Wilfried Zaha or the brain-teaser: A Challenge for Ivory Coast’s AFCON Buildup

The relationship between Wilfried Zaha and the Ivorian national team appears to remain tumultuous. An Ivorian international since 2017, with 30 caps and 5 goals to his name, the 31-year-old player is known for his complex personality, a reality that Jean-Louis Gasset, recently appointed at the helm of the national team, is beginning to grasp.

Indeed, just weeks before the imminent kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations, Wilfried Zaha’s presence remains a puzzle for Jean-Louis Gasset and the Ivorian team.

Initially called up to participate in the first two days of the World Cup qualifiers, the former Crystal Palace player is conspicuous by his absence.

During Thursday’s press conference, Gasset detailed Zaha’s absence, explaining that the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) had received a request from Galatasaray to release him on Tuesday evening.

After contacting the player, Gasset emphasized the need for all players to be present from Monday onward in preparation for the upcoming major competition.

«We are tightening the screws», he added. «I asked him if he really intended to come on Tuesday, and he said yes. So, I told him that I would not include him in the squad because discipline is crucial, even for those who played on Sunday and arrived on Monday. A few months before the AFCON, we need to be rigorous», Gasset concluded.

The question of Wilfried Zaha’s inclusion among the 23 players selected for the home AFCON remains unresolved.

Source: infos-sport