Barely 48 hours before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, holders Ivory Coast have been dealt a huge blow following the news that striker Sebastien Haller is ruled out.
The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed on Friday that Haller, has withdrawn from the team due to an injury he sustained on Sunday.
“The Ivorian Football Federation informs the press, partners, and the sporting public that Ivorian international Sebastien HALLER, called up by national coach Émerse FAÉ for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, has withdrawn due to an injury sustained on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with FC Utrecht.” Reads the statement.
In his spot, Evann Guessand, who plays for Aston Villa and was initially on the reserve list will replace him.
It should be noted that Haller was instrumental for the Elephants as they won the 2023 AFCON title on home soil, scoring the winning goal against Nigeria in the final.
Ivory Coast is in Group F that has Cameroon, Mozambique and Gabon and will begin their title defence on Wednsesday against Mozambique.