AFCON 2025 (Q): Who should replace Simon Adingra for the Elephants?

Simon Adingra, who has a calf injury, will miss both Ivory Coast's matches against Sierra Leone in October.

Sport News Africa · Author profile · 04/10/2024 07:14 UTC

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In training, on the eve of the squad announcement for the two games against Sierra Leone (11 and 15 October), Simon Adingra (14 caps, 2 goals) picked up a calf injury. It will keep him out for a few weeks. As a result, the 22-year-old has pulled out of the October camp. And Emerse Faé has to decide who will replace him on the left side of the attack.

Simon Adingra's importance to the Elephants' game

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Introduced in the 46th minute for Idrissa Doumbia against Zambia in the 5th round of 2023 AFCON qualifying, at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on 17 June 2023, Adingra made his big debut for the Elephants. Since then, the Brighton player has kept producing fine performances for the national team, to the point of becoming an undisputed starter in his position.

A player who can unsettle defences, a skilful dribbler and a constant threat to opponents, Simon Adingra is very important to Emerse Faé's tactical set-up. That is confirmed by Nasser Eddy, a pundit on Ivorian channel NCI, speaking to Sport News Africa.

"Adingra is hugely important to the Elephants' attacking play in the 4-3-3, where the 2 wingers are vital. With his ability to beat a man and his technical precision, he constantly makes the difference, and it mostly ends in excellent crosses for the centre-forward, and sometimes even in goals of his own ", he said.

Olivier Yeo, a journalist at L'Avenir, thinks the absence of the Abobo native is a real blow. But in his view, he will be replaced capably given the quality of the squad the Elephants have.

"Simon Adingra has shown that he is a very good player. In the warm-up games for the AFCON (editor's note: AFCON 2023) and in the matches at the tournament, he showed how important he is in the coach's system. He has made his mark every time he has been given the chance to wear this shirt. Today he has become a starter in the team. He went to the AFCON injured. But together with Sébastien Haller, they were the two catalysts who carried the Elephants all the way to final victory. He confirms everything people think of him. His absence from this camp will be felt. But he is not irreplaceable ", he said.

Jean-Evrard Kouassi, a timely return

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Adingra's injury has allowed Jean-Evrard Kouassi (30) to make his comeback for the national team. Ruled out of the AFCON by a serious injury, the elusive winger of Zhejiang FC in China has rediscovered his best form.

Quick, technical, good in behind and also in tight spaces for combination play, the former Trabzonspor player has every quality needed to claim a starting place in Simon Adingra's position. "Crespo" is strongly backed by Olivier Yeo: "Jean-Evrard Kouassi is back in the squad, it's a boon, a good pick. He plays more or less the same role as Simon Adingra but with a completely different style. When you look at his work rate in the same position, he is one of those key players who can capably replace the star Simon Adingra. I think it's a good opportunity for Evrard to show coach Emersé and his assistant Guy Demel just how highly Ivory Coast think of him in terms of work rate, technique and attacking contribution. Technical, good on the ball, direct, he could be that luxury substitute ", our colleague ventured.

Bénie Traoré, to finally make his mark with the senior side

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Bénie Traoré (21) is one of the Ivorian gems who have been on the rise in recent years. After proving himself with the U23s, the FC Basel winger was promoted to the senior side, where he won his first cap against Zambia on 6 September 2024 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. The former Sheffield United player made two encouraging appearances off the bench against the Chipolopolo and the Sao of Chad.

Bénie Traoré could therefore make his first start for the Elephants, according to Nasser Eddy: "Bénie Traoré is the one who should start against Sierra Leone on the left side of the attack in place of Simon Adingra. He is quick, technical, and made a very good impression on his senior debut last month, notably against Zambia in Bouaké, making several differences, including an assist after coming on. So it's natural that the coach should keep trusting him", he suggested.

Opinions are divided on who will stand in for Adingra against the Leone Stars. The two names that stand out are Jean-Evrard Kouassi and Bénie Traoré. One thing is certain: whoever is picked from the start will give everything to convince the coach, since competition is fierce in every position for the Elephants, the 2023 AFCON winners.

Original SNA publication