AFCON 2025: Bazoumana Touré to eclipse Nicolas Pépé forget for Ivory Coast

Against all odds, Emerse Faé did not select Nicolas Pépé for the AFCON 2025. This is due to extra sporting issues. Although in great shape with Villarreal, the Ivorian international right winger will follow the Africa Cup of Nations from afar. He was replaced by Bazoumana Touré, the left wing of Hoffenheim, who can also play on the right.

Philemon MBALE

2 minutes de lecture

Bazoumana Touré, a young player steeped in talent
Aged only 19, Bazoumana Touré has already shown his expertise in Europe. On his right side with the Hoffes in the Bundesliga, he systematically makes the difference. Even if he has a lot of room for improvement. He is fast, punchy and comfortable with the ball. Thanks to his magic left foot, he likes to dribble, score and even crafts assists. Excellent on centers, deep passes and in game creation, the native of Bouaké is a real gem.

Thanks to his explosive style, he puts many defenders to the test. He could be the nightmare of the opposing defenses in Morocco.

Bazoumana Touré, everything to prove with the Elephants
Pure product of the ASEC Mimosas academy, Bazoumana Touré shone under the colors of Hammarby in Sweden before joining Hoffenheim on February 1, 2025. Having received his first call-up with the Elephants for the international truce in September 2025, the gem finally only made his debut in October 2025. He started in the match against Seychelles, away from home. Côte d'Ivoire won by 7 goals to 0. It is his only appearance in the national team.

Bazoumana Touré still has everything to prove in the national team. Brilliant in the club, he must put his qualities at the service of the Elephants. Especially in Morocco, he will have the heavy task of theoretically replacing Nicolas Pépé on the field. It’s up to him to play and win the hearts of Ivorians as Simon Adingra did during the last African Cup of Nations.

Bazoumana Touré has been at the top of his form. With Hoffenheim, he played 16 matches in all competitions for 2 goals and 5 assists.

Currently, the Ivorian team is in preparation training in Marbella, Spain. Afterwards, she goes to rally her base camp in Marrakech, in the west of Morocco. The Elephants will make their first outing in group F of the 2025 AFCON against Mozambique. It will be on Wednesday, December 24th at 17:30 GMT, at the Ouahat Sidi Brahim stadium in Marrakech.