Bony returns to Ivory Coast squad

Abidjan (AFP) – Wilfried Bony has been recalled to the Ivory Coast squad for next week’s crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier away to Mali.

Bony, who returned to Swansea City last month after a disappointing two years at Manchester City, had not featured for his country since the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon at the start of the year.

Fellow striker Jonathan Kodjia, who plays in England for Aston Villa, is also back in the squad after recovering from a fractured ankle.

Seydou Doumbia is included despite coming off injured for Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League loss to Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Elephants are top of qualifying Group C, a point clear of Morocco with two games left.

Mali are bottom with just two points, with only the group winners making it through to the finals in Russia.

The match in Bamako is scheduled for next Friday, October 6.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Sylvain Gbohouo (TP Mazembe/COD) Axel Kacou (Tours/FRA), Horthalin Blé Zadi (Africa Sports/CIV)

Defenders: Serge Aurier (Paris SG/FRA), Eric Bailly (Manchester United/ENG), Lamine Koné (Sunderland/ENG), Wilfried Kanon (Den Haag/NED), Adama Traoré (Goztepe/TUR), Joris Gnagnon (Rennes/FRA), Ghislain Konan (Vitoria Guimaraes/POR)

Midfielders: Cheick Doukouré (Levante/ESP), Franck Kessié (AC Milan/ITA), Geoffroy Serey Dié (FC Basel/SUI), Jean Michaël Séri (Nice/FRA), Seko Fofana (Udinese/ITA), Sékou Sanogo (Young Boys/SUI), Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Mainz/GER)

Forwards: Maxwel Cornet (Lyon/FRA), Gervinho (Hebei Fortune/CHN), Salomon Kalou (Hertha Berlin/GER), Seydou Doumbia (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Roger Assalé (Young Boys/SUI), Jonathan Kodjia (Aston Villa/ENG), Wilfried Bony (Swansea City/ENG)