CHAN 2016: Ivory Coast reveal 23-man squad

Ivory Coast coach Michel Dussuyer has named a strong 23-man squad for 2016 African Nation Championship (Chan) which kicks off in Rwanda on January 16.

The Frenchman made a surprise inclusion of second division defender Kouassi Diallo Romuald who features for Abidjan-based side Williamsville Athletic Club. The defender is the only member of the team who plays outside the Ivorian top flight.

Dussuyer’s squad is made up three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards.

Les Elephants are camping in South Africa where they will play two friendly games against Guinea on January 8 and Nigeria on January 11.

The Ivorian olympic team who eliminated the Local Black stars of Ghana to qualify for the tournament are housed in Group A along with Gabon, Morocco and hosts Rwanda.

Dussuyer’s first game at the tournament will see them take on hosts Rwanda in the opening game of the biennial tournament.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Bamba Drissa (Stade d’Abidjan), Cisse Abdoul Karim (Sporting Gagnoa), Sangare Badra Ali (AS Tanda)

Defenders: Britto Dagou Willy (AS Tanda), Comara Cheick Ibrahim (AFAD), Coulibaly Soualiho (Stade d’Abidjan), Goua Mahan Marc (Asec Mimosas), Kangoute Adama (Asec Mimosas), Koffi Marcellin (AS Tanda), Kouassi Diallo Romuald (WAC), Ouattara Soualio Dabila (Africa Sport)

Midfielders: Aka Essis Beaudelaire (Sewe Sport), Badie Gbagnon Anicet (AFAD), Ble Nilmar Treika (Sewe Sport), Diabate Inza (AS Tanda), Nguessan Yao Serge (AFAD), Yace Okpekon Marius (Africa Sport)

Forwards: Atcho Djobo (AS Tanda), Boua Koffi Davy (AS Tanda), Guiza Franck (Sewe Sport), Mevy Dominique (Moossou FC), Toh Wassawaly (Yopougon FC), Zakri Krahire Yannick (Asec Mimosas)