Ivory Coast will be looking to preserve their great form in recent months when they take on Monaco in a World Cup qualifying match.
Manager Sabri Lamouchi has selected the players for this match, and he has stated that he is delighted with the squad. Regarded as one of the best teams in Africa only a few years ago, Ivory Coast have been also known as the chokers in recent times. They have failed to win the African cup of nations despite going very close on several occasions.
A number of the older players like Didier Drogba are expected to not be part of the team in the next few years. Lamouchi has already been looking to reduce the age of the squad by bringing in young players. Swansea striker Wilfried Bony can be expected to be on the squad on a regular basis after his recent £ 12 million move to the Premier league. A number of high-profile players like Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue are not in the squad. Lamouchi took time to explain his decision about the absence of these stars. Souleyman Bamba is also one of the surprise call-up for the national team. Lamouchi has not ruled out the possibility of making an international appearance for any of the Ivory Coast players.
“Bamba Souleymane is part of the national team’s project. He is an important player who has a lot of experience within this squad. We know that he has some difficulties at club level. We have to help him to benefit from more game time. It is important. However I work to build the best possible team for the Ivory Coast. The national selection is open to all. You have no idea how many phone calls I receive from Ivoirian players who want to join the team,” said Lamouchi.