AFCON 2023: 10 top players who won’t be in Ivory Coast

As the highly anticipated 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) unfolds in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, football enthusiasts are set to miss the presence of some notable football stars who were initially expected to leave a significant mark on the tournament.

In a disappointing turn of events, several players are set to miss AFCON 2023, either due to injury setbacks or being left out of the final squads based on the preferences of their respective coaches. This absence not only denies fans the opportunity to witness brilliance on the pitch but also alters the dynamics of the competition.

AFCON, known as the most prestigious nations’ tournament on the African continent, serves as a platform for top football talents to showcase their skills and compete for the ultimate trophy for their countries. However, this edition will witness the unfortunate sidelining of some prominent players.

As the kick-off approaches on Saturday, January 13, 2024, 3news.com has compiled a list of the top 10 football stars who will be notably absent from the Ivory Coast-hosted event.

Eric Bailly – Ivory Coast

The former Manchester United defender faced a challenging Christmas when he was unexpectedly left out of the AFCON squad and subsequently had his contract terminated at Besiktas. Fortunately, Bailly quickly found a silver lining, securing a contract with his former club, Villarreal, before the New Year.

With a significant history as a key player for the Ivory Coast national team, including a crucial role in their 2015 triumph, the 29-year-old’s experience will be sorely missed at the tournament. Having participated in three editions, including the 2021 tournament where he played in three games, Bailly’s absence is undoubtedly noteworthy.

Tariq Lamptey – Ghana

The former England international who switched allegiance to Ghana, had been anticipated to make his debut appearance in the AFCON. However, his plans were thwarted by an injury, and his full recovery is expected at a later date, potentially impacting the team’s schedule in the tournament.

Lamptey, who was part of Ghana’s team at the 2022 World Cup, has faced a series of injuries despite delivering stellar performances for Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Premier League. Although initially named in the 55-man squad, Lamptey was eventually omitted from the final 27, with fitness concerns cited as the primary reason.

The former Chelsea starlet, recognised as a potential solution for Ghana’s right-back position, will unfortunately not be able to participate in the tournament.

Thomas Partey – Ghana

The Arsenal midfielder was excluded from Ghana’s squad for the AFCON due to ongoing fitness issues this season. Despite being initially named in the 55-man preliminary squad, Partey’s exclusion became inevitable. His absence is considered a significant blow to Ghana, with coach Chris Hughton emphasising the magnitude of the loss in the squad.

The 30-year-old who has missed numerous games for Arsenal since October, expressed his eagerness to participate in the AFCON, but Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal coach, clarified that he was far from returning to competitive football.

The former Atletico Madrid player has been a crucial figure for Ghana, contributing to the team’s efforts in the last three editions of the AFCON. During these tournaments, Partey not only showcased his midfield prowess but also managed to score a goal and provide two crucial assists. Despite his absence in the upcoming tournament, Partey’s impact and experience in the previous editions will certainly be missed by the Ghanaian squad.

Wilfred Ndidi – Nigeria

Ndidi’s absence from AFCON 2023 due to injury is a significant blow for Nigeria. The midfielder, who has recently been the linchpin holding the Super Eagles together, was initially named in the final squad but had to be replaced by Alhassan Yussuf due to an injury setback. Leicester boss Enzo Maresca revealed that Ndidi is expected to face up to three months on the sidelines.

Ndidi’s pivotal role in the team’s midfield has been crucial in recent times, and his absence will undoubtedly impact Nigeria’s bid in the tournament. Beyond the international stage, the midfielder’s injury also raises concerns for Leicester City’s ambitions, potentially affecting their quest to return to the Premier League. The news of Ndidi’s extended absence is a setback for both club and country, highlighting the unpredictable nature of injuries in football.

Bryan Mbeumo – Cameroon

Bryan Mbeumo, representing Cameroon, will be notably absent from the 2023 AFCON due to a knee injury sustained during Brentford’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton on December 6. The 24-year-old, who has been in formidable form for Brentford in the Premier League this season, was expected to bring his goal-scoring prowess to the AFCON tournament. Unfortunately, Mbeumo had to undergo surgery as a result of the knee injury, which is anticipated to keep him out of action for three months.

This setback forces Cameroon to explore alternative goal-scoring options in his absence during the upcoming AFCON competition.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – Cameroon

The experienced Choupo-Moting earned his first call-up to the national team on May 11, 2010, representing his country in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Despite his extensive contributions to the team under former coach Tony Conceição, including playing four games during the 2021 AFCON, Choupo-Moting has unfortunately missed out on the squad for the upcoming AFCON.

The absence of the Bayern Munich star from the AFCON squad has surprised many across the continent. However, coach Rigobert Song has explained that the selection was based on choosing the best players who align with his tactical preferences. Choupo-Moting’s prior roles, including leading as captain in three of the games during Cameroon’s title defense in 2019, underscore his significance in the team’s recent campaigns.

Despite missing out on the upcoming AFCON, Choupo-Moting’s past contributions remain integral to the indomitable Lions’ football legacy.

Lyle Foster – South Africa

Lyle Foster, born in Soweto and playing for Burnley FC, has faced a unique challenge, unlike many other Premier League stars who succumbed to physical injuries. Over the past few months, the 23-year-old has been grappling with mental health issues, prompting Burnley FC to emphasise the detrimental impact his participation in the tournament would have on his well-being.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany acknowledged Foster’s significant progress but emphasised the importance of the player concentrating on building his mental health within the Premier League club. Regrettably, due to these ongoing concerns, Foster will be unable to represent his country, South Africa, at a major tournament for the first time, marking a distinctive and challenging chapter in his football journey.

Wilfried Zaha – Ivory Coast

Wilfried Zaha’s unexpected exclusion from the Ivory Coast squad has taken many by surprise, particularly among fans of the host nation. Despite being in impressive form for Turkish club Galatasaray, the 31-year-old winger was surprisingly omitted from the tournament on home soil.

While specific details regarding his exclusion remain undisclosed, reports suggest that coach Jean-Louis Gasset overlooked Zaha, possibly influenced by his absence in the AFCON qualifiers and the initial round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The decision has stirred curiosity and speculation among football enthusiasts, as Zaha’s prowess and experience were anticipated to be valuable assets for Ivory Coast in the tournament.

Victor Boniface – Nigeria

Despite initially being included in the final squad, the promising forward will unfortunately miss the upcoming tournament due to injury. The 22-year-old, known for his remarkable 21 goal contributions in 21 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, was expected to be a formidable force for Nigeria’s attack in the 2023 AFCON. His flair, creative abilities, and goal-scoring prowess marked him as a player to watch in his debut major tournament for the Super Eagles, creating anticipation among fans.

However, Boniface’s journey to the AFCON has hit a setback as he is currently battling an injury sustained during training in the United Arab Emirates. This led to his exclusion from Nigeria’s friendly match against Guinea, with Terem Moffi stepping in to take his place in the squad for the AFCON. The unfortunate injury has disrupted Boniface’s opportunity to showcase his talents on the continental stage, leaving fans and the team disappointed by his absence.

Cheick Doucouré – Mali

A few days ago, Crystal Palace coach Roy Hodgson confirmed that Cheick Doucouré would be out for an extended period due to a snapped Achilles tendon. This devastating injury has dealt a significant blow to Mali, as Doucouré is a key player relied upon to lead the national team. The snapped Achilles tendon will sideline Doucouré, leaving a void in Mali’s lineup and impacting their preparations for the upcoming tournament.

The news of Doucouré’s injury has undoubtedly caused concern and disappointment among both Crystal Palace and Mali football fans, as the midfielder’s absence will be felt on both the domestic and international fronts.