(Sporting Alert) — There is no Javier Hernandez, but Mexico still named a challenging team for tonight’s friendly international clash with the Ivory Coast at MetLife Stadium.
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Former Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos will lead the attack alongside Oribe Peralta, with Gerardo Torrado, Héctor Moreno, veteran Carlos Salcido and José Corona also starting as well for head coach José Manuel De la Torre.
Veterans Fernando Arce and Chaco Gimenez have also been handed starting places, after De la Torre was heavily criticized for introducing too many young players at once in his team who are still looking for proper experiences.
For the African side, Swansea City new summer signing Wilfried Bony could create problems for the CONCACAF side, which is struggling to find a good run of form of late.
Ex-Chelsea English Premier strikers Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho are all on bench, while Yaya Toure is out injured.
Defenders Didier Zokora and Christopher Aurier, as well as Abdul Razak start.
Mexico team: Corona, Meza, Reyes, Moreno, Salcido; Arce, Torrado, Gimenez; Dos Santos, Peralta, Reyna
Ivory Coast team: Barry, Boka, Zokora, Aurier, Bamba, Doumbia, Gosso, Razak, Bolly, Bony, Giovanni Sio
Subs: Sangaré, Viera, Angoua, Dja Djedjé , Bi Zorro Cyriac , Akpa Akpro, Kalou , Gervinho, Drogba, Traore
