Drogba out for second consecuitive national assignment

Ivory Coast have named a 20 man squad for the 2012 CAN qualifier against Burundi without Didier Drogba for the second straight game.

The Chelsea striker declined a previous call up against Rwanda in the first round games, owing to “mental and physical fatigue”.

Even though no reasons were given for his omission, it is believed his earlier snubbed might have played a significant role with the coach François Zahoui sending out a strong signal of ‘no one is indispensable’.

Salomon Kalou was not called-up due to injury, but former Galatasaray striker Kader Keita returns to the set up.

Ivory Coast squad:

Goalkeepers: Yeboah Daniel (ASEC Mimosas), Barry Boubacar (LOKEREN)

Defenders: Tiene Siaka (PSG), Touré Kolo (Manchester City), Bamba Souleman (Hibernian), Zokora Didier (Sevilla), Gohouri Steve (Wigan), Demel Guy Roland (Hambourg), Coulibaly Kafoumba (OGC NICE)

Midfielders: Touré Yaya (Manchester City), Fae Emerse (OGC NICE), Eboué Emmanuel (Arsenal), Tioté Cheik (Newcastle), N’Dri Romaric (Sevilla), Boka Arthur (Stuttgart)

Forwards: Yao Kouassi Gervais (Lille), Doumbia Seydou (CSKA Moscow), Guie-Guie Abraham (FC Tours), Keita Abdul Kader (AL Sadd Sport), Bony Wilfred (Sparta Prague)