Herve Renard has included Oumar Solet in his latest Cote d’Ivoire squad for the African Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against The Gambia on 12 and 17 November.

The 26-year-old Udinese centre-back is set to make his first appearance for the Elephants after formally deciding to represent Cote d’Ivoire, having previously played for France at youth level.

Solet is one of four new faces in Renard’s squad as the coach continues to reshape the national team. Abdoul Ouattara, Abdoulaye Kante and Yaya Kader Fofana have also received their first senior call-ups.

Born in Melun, Solet began his development at Laval before joining Olympique Lyonnais. He later played for RB Salzburg and has established himself as a regular starter for Udinese in Serie A.

The defender could also have represented France or the Central African Republic, the country of his father. His brother Isaac, who plays for CSKA Sofia, is already an international for the Central African Republic national team, known as the Fauves du Bas-Oubangui.

Solet ultimately chose Cote d’Ivoire and adds a different set of qualities to an already strong defence. Standing 1.92m tall, he is noted for his physical strength, pace despite his size and ability to play the ball out from the back.

He will join a defensive group that includes Evan Ndicka, Ousmane Diomande and Emmanuel Agbadou.

Renard has also recalled Amad Diallo, Hassane Kamara and Martial Godo for the two qualifiers.

However, Guela Doue, Odilon Kossounou and Ghislain Konan are unavailable because of injury. Wilfried Singo, Simon Adingra, Seko Fofana, Evann Guessand and Sebastien Haller are among the other notable absentees from the squad.

Cote d’Ivoire have made a perfect start to their qualifying campaign, winning both of their opening matches 2-0 against Ghana and Somalia.

The meetings with The Gambia are likely to provide a more demanding test. The Gambian side also have six points, meaning the two-match contest could prove significant in the race for qualification.

Renard’s squad reflects both the emergence of new options and the return of established players as Cote d’Ivoire seek to maintain their early advantage in the group.