Everything you need to know about AFCON 2023: Cote d’Ivoire Gears Up for Football Spectacle
In less than 30 days, the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off in Cote d’Ivoire, promising a thrilling showcase of football talent from across the continent. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what awaits fans in this eagerly anticipated AFCON 2023 tournament:
AFCON 2023 Hosts and Opening Match: Cote d’Ivoire, hosting for the first time since 1984, will stage the finals, commencing with the opening match on Saturday, 13 January. The hosts will face Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
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Venue Overview: Spread across five host cities—Abidjan, Bouake, Korogho, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro—the matches will unfold in six stadiums, reflecting Cote d’Ivoire’s commitment to sports infrastructure development.
Akwaba – The Official Mascot: Meet “Akwaba,” the official mascot, symbolizing a warm welcome with an elephant motif, paying homage to Cote d’Ivoire’s identity.
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“Pokou” – The Official Match Ball: The official match ball, named “Pokou,” honors the late Ivorian legend Laurent Pokou, famed for scoring five goals in the 1970 tournament.
“Akwaba” – The Official Song Celebration: Featuring artists like Yemi Alade and Mohamed Ramadan, the official song, “Akwaba,” blends afrobeat, rap, and zouglou, embodying the tournament’s rich musical tradition.
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Group Structure: With 24 teams divided into six groups, intriguing match-ups include Egypt vs. Ghana in Group B and Senegal vs. Cameroon in Group C.
Tournament Format: Top two teams in each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams advance to the knockout stages, leading to the grand finale.
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Kick-off Times: Group stage matches will have daily fixtures at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00 GMT, maintaining the tempo in the knockout stages.
Key Fixtures:
- Côte d’Ivoire vs. Guinea-Bissau: Opening match on Saturday, 13 January, at 20:00 GMT.
- Côte d’Ivoire vs. Nigeria: High-stakes encounter on 18 January at 17:00 GMT.
- Senegal vs. Cameroon: Group C heavyweight clash on 20 January at 14:00 GMT.
Road to the AFCON 2023 Final:
- Second Round Fixtures: Commence on Saturday, 27 January, with intriguing matchups.
- Quarter-Final Showdown: Friday, 2 February, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
- Semi-Final Battles: Set for Wednesday, 7 February, at Bouake and Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.
- Third-Place Play-Off: Saturday, 10 February, at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
- Grand Finale: The climax on Sunday, 11 February, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.
Tournament Favourites: Senegal, the reigning champions, lead the favorites, with strong contenders including Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, and the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire.
As the countdown begins, AFCON 2023 promises football enthusiasts an unforgettable experience, blending sport, culture, and the spirit of competition on the vibrant African stage.
