CHAN-Ivory Coast: Haidara Souhalio's squad list sparks debate

Haidara Souhalio has been the talk of the town since 23 December 2022, when he named Ivory Coast's squad for the 2022 CHAN, scheduled for 13 January to 4 February 2023 in Algeria. For many observers of Ivorian football, the coach of the home-based Elephants has left too many players at home. They point to the absence of some of the best players in the domestic game.

In goal, while the call-up of Asec Mimosas' number one, Diakité Alimi, is met with universal approval, that of his back-up, Folly Ayayi, is raising eyebrows. Many observers feel Tra Bi Olivares deserved the call more. The Afad goalkeeper has kept seven clean sheets in ten matches (3 goals conceded).

Haidara Souhalio defended his choice. But his explanations did not convince many. "If he (Folly Ayayi) is on the bench - the bench which in a way represents a rearguard, it means he is not bad. Otherwise he would not be on the bench," argues the coach of the home-based Elephants. "He has not lost his place because he is still a substitute on the bench. Asec have 3 or 4 goalkeepers. If he is always Alimi's deputy, it means he has something about him."

"You have to pick the best players, with no favouritism. I really wonder whether the coach had a free hand in drawing up his list."

In midfield and attack too, several of Haidara Souhalio's choices are being questioned. "You can't leave out a lad like Wayou Constant, a dominant presence in FC San pedro's midfield. I'm thinking of this lovely lad", said Babou Éric, a pundit for Canal Plus. Just after this heartfelt plea, which amounted to an outburst, Wayou, who has 5 goals and 2 assists in the league, was called up as a replacement for the injured Yaya Sogodogo.

It is a welcome reprieve that players such as Avo Leibe (ES Bafing, 5 goals) and Mohamed Lamine Koné (Bouaké FC, 4 goals and 3 assists) will not get, as they have been passed over.

The selection of Goua Marc, captain of Sporting Gagnoa, is also causing a stir. The defender is not in peak form and had not been back in the national team for six years.

"You can't draw up a list to please people," says an irritated Traoré Z., a former Africa Sports player who has become a sports manager. "You have to pick the best players, with no favouritism. I really wonder whether the coach had a free hand in drawing up his list."

Asec, with eleven representatives, including substitute Oura Anicet, dominate the group of 26 Elephants selected for the CHAN. They have left their clubs for the preparation camp, which has begun in Yamoussoukro, while Haidara Souhalio's choices continue to be questioned.

Sanh SÉVERIN