Côte d’Ivoire Star Sébastien Haller Withdraws from 2025 AFCON Squad Due to Injury

Côte d’Ivoire will be without one of their most experienced forwards at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Sébastien Haller has withdrawn from the squad due to injury, TalkTalk Nigeria reports.

Haller sustained the injury during Dutch Eredivisie action for his club, FC Utrecht, over the past weekend. The Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that Evann Guessand, currently with Premier League side Aston Villa, has been called up as his replacement. Guessand was initially listed as a reserve player.

Haller played a pivotal role in Côte d’Ivoire’s previous AFCON campaign, scoring the decisive goal in the Elephants’ 2-1 final victory over Nigeria. His absence is undoubtedly a blow for head coach Emerse Fae, who will now have to rely on Guessand and the rest of the squad to fill the gap left by one of their most experienced players.

Opinion: A Blow for the Elephants, Opportunity for Guessand

While Haller’s injury is a significant setback for the Ivorians, it opens the door for Guessand to make his mark on Africa’s biggest stage. AFCON has a history of young players rising to the occasion when given unexpected opportunities.

Côte d’Ivoire’s attack will miss Haller’s clinical finishing and experience, but if Guessand can step up, it could inject fresh energy into the team. Nigeria and other Group B rivals might see this as a slight advantage, yet AFCON is unpredictable—Haller’s absence doesn’t guarantee victory for any opponent.

For fans, it’s a reminder of the fine margins in football: one injury can alter a team’s dynamics, while also creating a platform for emerging talents to shine. Côte d’Ivoire will now have to adapt quickly if they are to defend their title successfully.