Swansea City striker is preferred to Stamford Bridge legend.
Former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba is among the substitutes for this evening’s FIFA World Cup Group C clash between the Ivory Coast and Colombia.
The 36-year-old, who is the Ivory Coast’s all-time record goalscorer with 65, began last weekend’s 2-1 win over Japan on the bench, before entering the action on 62 minutes and helping his side overturn a 1-0 deficit.
Despite Drogba’s impressive cameo, Ivory Coast boss Sabri Lamouchi has chosen Swansea City’s Wilfried Bony to lead his attack.
Support from the wide areas will be provided by ex Arsenal winger Gervinho and Saint-Etienne’s Max Gradel, while Die Serey, Newcastle United’s Cheick Tiote and Manchester City powerhouse Yaya Toure form the midfield.
Colombia are unchanged following their 3-0 win over Greece.
Ivory Coast XI: Barry; Boka, Zokora, Bamba, Aurier; Serey, Tiote, Yaya Toure; Gervinho, Gradel, Bony.
Colombia XI: Ospina; Zuniga, Yepes, Zapata, Armero; Aguilar, Sanchez; Cuadrado, Rodriguez, Ibarbo; Gutierrez.