Elephants heading to AFCON without Boly

Khuda Muyaba of Malawi challenged by Willy Boly of Ivory Coast during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Malawi and Ivory coast at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, on 08 October 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Dec 28, 2021. 15:00

Wolves defender Willy Boly is set to miss Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign due to ongoing injury problems which have sidelined him for the first half of the season.

The 30-year-old centre-back sustained a hamstring injury during pre-season, but looked on course to make his comeback towards the end of the year before picking up a new problem while away with the national team.

Elephants head coach Patrice Beaumelle named Boly in his squad for the tournament in Cameroon, however, a replacement must be found after Wolves confirmed he will not be fit to travel.

“Willy Boly has a calf injury and unfortunately cannot currently join up with Ivory Coast for the African Cup of Nations,” read a statement on the Premier League club’s official website.

“A decision on his return to play will be made as we assess his progress over the next few weeks, whilst he rehabilitates at Compton.”

The two-time African champions begin their bid for AFCON glory against Equatorial Guinea on January 12, with Sierra Leone and Algeria also awaiting them in Group E.