The head coach of Ivory Coast named his squad on Thursday for the upcoming double-header against Gambia on matchdays three and four of the qualifiers. While Amad Diallo, Nicolas Pépé, and Yan Diomandé all feature, Guéla Doué has been left out.

The defender is one of the standout absentees alongside Odilon Kossounou. Meanwhile, Hervé Renard has injected fresh blood into the setup, handing call-ups to Abdoul Ouattara, Oumar Solet, Abdoulaye Kanté, and Yaya Kader Fofana.

Speaking at a press conference, the French tactician underlined the value of tactical flexibility, singling out Patrick Zabi for praise: "He is a versatile player. I like having players who can operate in several positions."

Renard also provided an encouraging update on Amad Diallo, who limped off injured for his club on 31st October: "Amad Diallo is fit to play," he confirmed.

The 'Elephants' host Gambia on 12th November at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, before making the trip to Bakau on 17th November. Renard urged his side to guard against complacency: "When we play, there is sometimes a sense of superiority that should simply not exist in football."

Ivory Coast squad

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana, Alban Lafont, Mohamed Koné.

Defenders: Luck Zogbé, Abdoul Ouattara, Evan Ndicka, Oumar Solet, Ousmane Diomandé, Emmanuel Agbadou, Hassane Kamara, Kassoum Ouattara.

Midfielders: Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Christ Inao, Malick Yalcouyé, Patrick Zabi, Abdoulaye Kanté, Yaya Kader Fofana.

Forwards: Amad Diallo, Nicolas Pépé, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi, Yoann Bonny, Martial Godo, Yan Diomandé.