Ivory Coast v Comoros: Jean-Louis Gasset explains his selection choices

Ivory Coast head coach Jean-Louis Gasset faced the press on Thursday 23 March 2023 in the conference room at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. He spoke, of course, about the 3rd matchday of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be played in Côte d'Ivoire in 2024, but above all about his choice of players for the game. Extracts.

The cases of Seko Fofana and Wilfried Zaha

"I spoke with the players. I decided not to call up either Seko or Zaha. I like to have players in the squad who are 100% fit, physically and mentally. The real reasons are between the players and me. We said some things to each other and that led me to make those decisions. It was me who decided not to call them up. Seko's absence has nothing to do with the captain's armband. It was a very emotional moment to see Haller again after so long. I wanted to look at young players who are shining at big European clubs. As for the goalkeepers, we have followed Folly since the CHAN, and he is one of the three best Ivorian goalkeepers."

The opponent

"Comoros are going to scrap it out with Zambia in our group. We will help decide their duel, since one of them will be going through with us. They are a well-organised side with two or three very good players, notably the goalkeeper Ali Ahmada." – Jean-Louis Gasset.

Looking at different systems

"I need to have a plan B or a plan C. I'm widening the squad as much as possible because you never know what can happen before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. I need to see plenty of players in game situations so that I have a clear idea."

Sanh Séverin