Nicolas Pepe, Amad Diallo Start as Emerse Fae Names Adventurous Ivory Coast Line Up For Harambee Stars Tie

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has named a bold and attacking line-up to face Kenya’s Harambee Stars in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, with star wingers Nicolas Pepe and Amad Diallo both starting.

The Elephants, who are looking to consolidate their position at the top of their qualification group, have gone all-out in attack — signalling Faé’s intention to break down what he earlier described as “a very defensive Kenyan side.”

In goal, Farizi Yahia gets the nod ahead of Alban Lafont, while the back four features  Guela Doue, Evan Ndicka, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Ghislain Konan, a solid defensive unit blending physicality with composure on the ball.

The midfield trio of Ibrahim Sangare, Franck Kessie (captain), with Amad Diallo set to play in the number 10 role   to provide both balance and creativity, with Kessie’s leadership and power complementing the passing precision of Ibrahim and the flair of Amad.

Upfront, Yan Diomande and Nicolas Pepe flank  Evann Guessand in what looks to be an explosive forward line. Diallo’s pace and trickery, combined with Pepe’s directness and goal threat, are expected to test Kenya’s defensive organisation throughout the match.

Faé’s bench also reflects the squad’s depth, with Sebastien Haller, Simon Adingra, and Oumar Diakite among the attacking options waiting in reserve — a clear indicator that the Ivorian boss is ready to rotate firepower if needed.