AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast – a nation reborn, hosts the continent’s biggest footballing showpiece
ABIDJAN: Just a little over a decade ago, Ivory Coast, hosts of AFCON 2023, was in the grips of civil war. Today, the country is preparing to host the continent’s biggest footballing showpiece with a sense of excitement and optimism.
The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, January 13th, at the newly-built Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé. The host nation, the Elephants of Ivory Coast, will take on Guinea-Bissau in the opening match.
Preparations for the CAF tournament have not been without their challenges. In October 2023, the construction of the Ebimpé stadium was behind schedule and over budget, and President Alassane Ouattara was forced to sack his prime minister in a bid to get things back on track.
However, despite the hiccups, there is a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. A wave of vibrant energy washes over you as your plane touches down at Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport. The streets of Abidjan are alive with the colours of the 24 competing nations, and fans from all over Africa are pouring into the country.
AFCON 2023 MORE THAN JUST ABOUT FOOTBALL FOR IVORY COAST
For Ivory Coast, this AFCON is more than just a football tournament. It is a chance to showcase the country’s progress since the dark days of the civil war, which ended in 2011. It’s a chance to show the world that Ivory Coast is back on its feet. And that the West African country is ready to take its place globally.
“This AFCON is more than just a game. It’s a celebration of a nation’s victory, an invitation to the world to witness the story of change in Ivory Coast,” says Herve Tra-Bi, an Ivorian agent based in South Africa.
The last time Ivory Coast hosted the AFCON was four decades ago. It’s a time etched in the country’s footballing memory with both pride and a tinge of melancholic reflection.
A stark contrast: Ivory Coast’s humble 1984 AFCON with eight teams in just two cities pales compared to the 2024 extravaganza – 24 teams across six venues, costing millions. The six group stage venues are Abidjan, Bouaké, San Pedro, Korhogo, Yamoussoukro and Garoua.
In the wake of the Cameroon tragedy, where eight people died in a crowd crush at the Olembe Stadium, the host country is prioritising enhanced safety measures to ensure a secure and enjoyable tournament experience for all participants.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said witnessing the grief and pain of the Cameroon victims’ families was heartbreaking. That experience, he added, reinforces his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of everyone involved in this AFCON.
MOTSEPE ADDRESSES SECURITY CONCERNS
“Whatever happens at this AFCON is on me. As the president, I am ultimately responsible for what happens,” Motsepe told journalists.
“What happened in Cameroon was completely avoidable. Going to visit the families of the bereaved and injured and looking into their eyes is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. The security and safety of people in Cote D’Ivoire is my primary concern.”
He revealed that the Ivory Coast president, Ouattara, had assured him that 50,000 police officers had been deployed to avoid a repeat of Cameroon.
The Ivorian government has spent over R20 billion on infrastructure and preparations for the tournament. Two 20,000-capacity stadiums stand as testaments to the host nation’s commitment to the tournament.
In addition to these new sporting arenas, the country poured billions into renovations for roads, existing stadiums, and hospitals, ensuring a seamless and modern experience for both athletes and spectators.
They see AFCON 2023 as a chance to celebrate their national pride and show the world that their country is on the rise.
The tournament, which marks the return of Bafana Bafana after missing out on the last edition, looks set to be a memorable event. It will be a celebration of African football, culture and unity. It will be a chance for the continent to come together and showcase its best talent on the world stage.
Ivory Coast is ready to welcome Africa with open arms. The tournament will be accessible to fans in 180 countries thanks to partnerships with 45 Free To Air broadcasters. And the world is ready to watch.
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