Gervinho Set For Ivory Coast Recall

Legendary Ivory Coast winger Gervinho is expected to be recalled to the national team after a two-year absence.

The 32-year-old veteran is favourite to lead the selection of 23-man players who will face Madagascar in back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the end of March.

It will be the first call-up for Elephants star since November 2017 when he featured in a World Cup qualifier against Morocco.

Gervinho’s outstanding performance with his club Parma has earned them the ninth position in Italian Serie A, and he has scored the winning goals for his club this season.

Inside sources have revealed that Ivory Coast new head coach, Patrice Beaumelle, has already talked to Gervinho and sent him an invite to join the team for preparations ahead of a crucial qualifier against Bareas on March 25.

Gervinho is one of the most capped Ivorian and the second-best international scorer in the history of his country.

The former Arsenal and AS Roma player won Africa Cup of Nations with his country in 2015 but has since missed the past two editions due to injuries.

Gervinho joined his current club Parma in 2018 after two seasons with Chinese club Hebei China Fortune and scored 11 goals in his first season, helping the promoted side stay in the top flight.

Former Ivory Coast coach Ibrahim Kamara, however, snubbed the winger, insisting his decision has nothing to do with the player’s age or form, but because he has plenty of familiar options at his disposal.

Gervinho has played in five Nations Cup tournaments in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015. He also played for his country at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.