---
title: "Palace to lose Zaha to the AFCON as he switches allegiances"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2016/11/27/palace-lose-zaha-afcon-switches-allegiances/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2016-11-27T22:14:10Z"
modified: "2016-11-27T22:17:39Z"
---

# Palace to lose Zaha to the AFCON as he switches allegiances

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has switched his international allegiances from England to his country of birth Ivory Coast, after a lack of chances on the international scene has seen the player become increasingly frustrated.

Zaha has made two appearances for the England international set-up but since both of those were in friendly games, the winger is allowed to switch his allegiance to Ivory Coast where it would be assumed that the 24-year-old would be selected more often.

![Jan Kruger/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readcrystalpalace.com/readcrystalpalace/sites/17/2016/11/625921484.jpg)

What this switch does mean is that Zaha is likely to be missing for Palace in January as it’s almost certain that he’ll be called up to play in the African Cup of Nations.

The tournament lasts from January 14th until February 5th and losing Zaha for that period will be a major blow for Palace as he’s probably been the club’s best player this season.