NEWS
Sturm's goal machine handed late international call-up
The Ivorian is back in his country's senior squad for the first time since the World Cup.
Oumar Diakité can look forward to an Ivory Coast call-up after all.
The SK Sturm Graz forward has been handed a late call-up by head coach Hervé Renard for the upcoming international fixtures against Gambia, the Ivorian Football Federation announced on Monday.
Diakité replaces Inter Milan's Ange-Yoan Bonny, who has been ruled out due to medical reasons.
Impressive record in Graz
The 22-year-old's initial omission had caused debate in his home country. Despite his strong performances in Graz colors, scoring twelve goals in twelve competitive matches, Renard had initially decided against selecting the striker.
Now Diakité gets the chance to prove himself in the national team after all. Ivory Coast will face Gambia twice on November 12 and 17 in Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying.
The forward was last called up for his homeland at the 2026 World Cup, having already earned 31 caps for the Ivorians in total.
