Hervé Renard opens his cycle with eight new players in a 25-man squad

For his return as Elephants coach, Hervé Renard announced a 25-man squad in Cocody on Wednesday for the September and October international window.

Eight of them are new to the national team: Kassoum Ouattara (Beşiktaş), Christ Tapé (Toulouse), Amadou Koné (NEOM), Eddy Doué (Estrela da Amadora), Malick Yalcouyé (Brighton), Patrick Zabi (Paris FC), Rayan Fofana (Le Havre) and Yann Gboho (Coventry City).

The coach is keeping faith with his senior players, starting with captain Franck Kessié, whom he first called up in 2015. "He is in great shape," he said.

The list marks the start of a new cycle, mixing experienced players with young ones given their chance. For the coach, no place is guaranteed: current form and club performances will continue to count.