Côte d’Ivoire: why Gasset left out Zaha for the AFCON

Côte d’Ivoire coach Jean-Louis Gasset has explained why Wilfried Zaha has not been called up for the CAN 2023, scheduled to take place on home soil from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

Galatasaray winger Wilfried Zaha (6 goals, 2 assists in 20 matches) was among the 54 players shortlisted last week, but will not be taking part in the 34th African event this winter.

At a press conference on Thursday, Gasset named 27 players for the African Cup of Nations, including the injured Sébastien Haller (Borussia Dortmund) and Simon Adingra (Brighton), the returning Nicolas Pépé (Trabzonspor) and key players Serge Aurier, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré, Jonathan Bamba and Evan Nicka.

All without Zaha, who had already been ruled out in November for refusing to join the squad on time.

Gasset justifies Zaha’s dismissal…

“It was the most difficult case. Already, in the balance of the squad, we had a lot of right-handed players. (…) It’s a coach’s choice,” explained the 70-year-old coach in a press conference, putting forward sporting arguments first and foremost.

A choice welcomed by public opinion, while the former Manchester United flop has given rise to a certain weariness in the ranks of supporters.

Starting with ex-international Guy Demel, who is undoubtedly pleased with Gasset’s decision, following his stance against a potential call-up for Zaha just over a week ago.

Jean Louis Gasset sur l’absence de Zaha 🗣️

« C’est un choix de sélectionneur. » pic.twitter.com/X0nPLXL3cW

— Le Foot 225 🇨🇮 (@LeFoot225) December 28, 2023

“For Zaha, (…) it’s not me who makes the decision, but if it were me who made it, I’ll tell you clearly, I wouldn’t take it,” the former Selephanto right-back (35 caps) stated unequivocally. “

On top of that, on an extra-sporting level, there are things going on”, he explained, referring to the rift between the 31-year-old and Gasset’s staff, since his latest “antics” had clearly broken the camel’s back after his multiple defections.

…and assumes his choice

It’s a fracture that the coach admits half-heartedly, and he accepts his choice, taking his cue from his French compatriots.

“I tried to give priority to sport and group life. (…) I’ve had discussions with illustrious figures such as Aimé Jacquet, Didier Deschamps and Hervé Renard, who have made strong choices at times, and only the result matters. (…) In the end, it’s only after the competition that we know whether it was a good or bad decision,” he explained.

Jean Louis Gasset a donc décidé de se passer de Wilfried Zaha. Il a bien fait. En dépit de son fantastique talent, l'ailier n'a jamais donné l'impression de se sentir concerné par la sélection de Côte d'Ivoire. Pour le reste, largement les éléments pour faire une belle #CAN2024 https://t.co/DOA1PL3gVx

— Nabil Djellit (@Nabil_djellit) December 28, 2023