AFCON 2025 : The 4 biggest losers from Emerse Faé’s squad list

The 4 biggest losers from Emerse Faé’s squad list

Côte d’Ivoire/@Ouest France

Emerse Faé has unveiled his list of players called up for the Africa Cup of Nations – AFCON 2025. A squad announcement that certainly delivered its share of surprises.

The reigning African champions will compete in Group F alongside Mozambique, Cameroon, and Gabon.

While he has called up experienced stars like Franck Kessié, Seko Fofana, and also Wilfried Zaha, who returns after more than two years away, the Elephants’ head coach has left out some key regulars.

Here are the 4 biggest omissions from Emerse Faé’s list:

Nicolas Pépé

He is the first major absentee from the squad. With 11 goals in 50 caps, he could easily have been in the running for an attacking spot. Emerse Faé admitted to leaving him out for reasons unrelated to sport.

Wilfried Singo

Another veteran pays the price for persistent injury troubles. The Galatasaray full-back, who has spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch, will not be part of the AFCON squad.

Simon Adingra

And that’s one less African champion in the mix. Simon Adingra appears to be paying the price for inconsistency at Sunderland, having logged only 320 minutes in the Premier League this season.

Evann Guessand

Despite making 17 appearances for Aston Villa (scoring once) in 2025-2026, Evann Guessand didn’t make the cut. The return of Wilfried Zaha has likely further diminished his chances of reclaiming a spot up front.