World Cup Qualifiers: Wilfried Zaha Dumps Cote D’Ivoire

Days before Cote D’Ivoire released her squad to take part in the World Cup qualifiers, Wilfried Zaha informed his manager, Patrice Beaumelle, that he does not want to be selected for the matches against Mozambique and Cameroon on November 13 and 16.

The Crystal Palace striker has complained of coming back sick from every camp and wants to “think about his international future”.

Just like that, Côte d’Ivoire may have lost one of its main offensive weapons.

Wilfried Zaha, 28, has asked not to be called up with the selection for the next two 2022 World Cup qualifying games.

“A few days ago Zaha sent me a message to say that every time he comes (for the national team) he goes home sick. He asked me not to include him in my list in November. He further stated; he wants to concentrate on his international future, “said Patrice Beaumelle, the Cote D’Ivoire coach.

This is not the first time that the Crystal Palace striker has refused the national selection.
In 2018 in particular, he reportedly declined the call of the coach at the time, Ibrahim Kamara, evoking personal concerns.

Currently first in Group D with 10 points, Cote D’Ivoire are only a point ahead of Cameroon and the clash in Douala may be decisive for qualification.

“I want soldiers, warriors who even with one knee on the ground will come to the selection. It is a message that I send loud and clear to each player,” opined the coach on Thursday.

“In 2015, we won with soldiers,” he reiterated, referring to the Elephants’ last victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, which Baumelle acted as assistant under Herve Renard.