…Sebastien Haller replaced by Aston Villa’s Evann Guessand
Ivory Coast striker Sébastien Haller, the hero of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has been ruled out of the 2025 AFCON after sustaining a hamstring injury, Bold Sports reports.
The defending champions had included Haller in their final 28-man squad for the tournament, but the forward, who scored the winning goal against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the 2023 final in Abidjan, picked up the injury while playing for FC Utrecht in the Dutch league at the weekend.
Haller reported to the Les Éléphants’ training camp in Marbella, Spain earlier this week and was undergoing treatment under the supervision of the national team’s medical staff. However, the Ivorian Football Federation has confirmed that the injury will keep him out of the competition.
As a result, Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand has been called up as his replacement. The 24-year-old was initially named on the reserve list and had been part of the provisional squad submitted to CAF for the tournament.
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“The Ivorian Football Federation informs the press, partners and the sporting public that Ivorian international Sébastien Haller, called up by national team coach Émerse Faé for CAN Morocco 2025, has been ruled out due to an injury sustained on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with FC Utrecht,” The federation said in a statement posted on social media.
“Sébastien Haller is therefore replaced by Evann Guessand, Aston Villa player, who was initially listed on the reserve list.”
The federation also wished Haller a speedy recovery as he returns to his club for further treatment and rehabilitation.
“The Ivorian Football Federation extends its full support to Sébastien Haller, African champion 2023, and wishes him a swift recovery.”
Despite failing to score during the group stages and quarter-final of the last AFCON, the former West Ham, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund striker delivered in crucial moments—netting the decisive goal in the semi-final against DR Congo and the winner in the 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final.
While Ivory Coast will miss Haller’s experience and match-winning qualities, the defending champions still boast a strong squad featuring players such as Amad Diallo, Wilfried Zaha, Franck Kessié, Emmanuel Agbadou and Willy Boly, among others.
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