Soccer
Cote D Ivoire head coach Emerse Fae during the 2025 Canadian Shield Tournament game between Ivory Coast and New Zealand at BMO Field. Copyright: ImagoxIndrawanxKumalax
The Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Ivory Coast, might be without cult hero striker Sébastien Haller at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Soccernet.ng reports.
Ivory Coast is the defending champion and will be looking to retain its title in the upcoming edition in Morocco this year.
The last time they won the title, Haller was the difference-maker. It was a tumultuous campaign for the Elephants, as they changed coaches after the group stage － an anomaly.
Coach Jean-Louis Gasset was sacked after a poor start, with Emerse Fae appointed to lead the team for the rest of the tournament.
That managerial change affected the squad selection, and Haller was a major beneficiary.
He rewarded his coach for the trust with the winning goal in the semifinal against DR Congo. Then, in the final, he scored the winning goal in their 2-1 victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
OFFICIEL !
LA LISTE D’EMERSE FAE POUR LA COUPE D’AFRIQUE DES NATIONS 2025 ! pic.twitter.com/qWXgmVecgw
— Séléphanto Football (@Selephanto) December 9, 2025
This year, despite Haller’s struggles at the club level, coach Faé included him in the squad for the tournament, amid criticisms from fans and the media.
Emerse Faè on surprise inclusion Wilfried Zaha: “We saw that we need experienced players. In Zaha’s case, his ability to beat defenders and his current form worked in his favour.”
Dropped from the squad: Simon Adingra and Nicolas Pepe.
Added: Fit-again Jean-Michael Seri, 34. pic.twitter.com/mFFEW2P9f0
— Olúwashínà Okeleji (@oluwashina) December 9, 2025
Soccer Sébastien Haller At Risk Of Missing AFCON 2025 With Ivory Coast
Haller was in action for his club Utrecht against NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday. He started from the bench but was introduced into the game in the 68th minute.
He lasted just 13 minutes, however, as he was taken off in the 81st minute after going down on the turf. The former Borussia Dortmund man was clutching the back of his thigh, suggesting a potential hamstring injury.
As of press time, it has not been confirmed if Haller actually suffered a hamstring injury, but the signs did not look good.
Coach Emerse Faé will be hoping that Haller’s injury is not serious and that he will be able to return to action quickly.
Ivory Coast are in Group F of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, alongside Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, and Sportspremi.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
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