The Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan is set to be the centerpiece for the opening and final matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ivory Coast’s own Ghislain Konan expressed immense pride in his nation hosting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He anticipates that next month’s visitors will be greeted with exceptional hospitality.
Scheduled to commence on January 13, the tournament’s first and last matches will be held in Abidjan, the nation’s economic heart.
Konan, who plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, confidently stated to Sport Newes Center Africa, “I’m positive everything will proceed smoothly. We’re known for our welcoming nature and even joke that we favor foreigners over ourselves.”
He added, “We’re excited to show our guests the true spirit of our great nation.”
Recently, the Ivorian government announced its plan to utilize around 20,000 volunteers to bolster attendance at the Cup matches.
Originally slated for June-July this year, the tournament was rescheduled to January 2024, avoiding the Ivory Coast’s rainy season. It will unfold across five cities.
Abidjan is unique in using two stadiums, with the newly-constructed Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium hosting the key opening and final games. Other host cities include Bouake, San Pedro, Korhogo, and the capital, Yamoussoukro.
Stadium capacities vary, with Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium and the Bouake stadium accommodating 40,000, the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium holding 60,000, and others having a 20,000 capacity.
Interestingly, the 23 competing teams, including the reigning champions Senegal, might receive unexpected support from the local crowd.
Toure Nimba, a sports ministry official, revealed, “A fraction of our 20,000 volunteers will cheer for non-Ivorian teams, a novel approach. You’ll see Ivorians supporting other teams during the competition. Efforts are also being made to ensure student attendance at matches.”
Efforts to fill stadiums are extensive, reaching even the smallest communities.
The 2021 edition in Cameroon saw better attendance for non-host matches, a trend Ivory Coast hopes to continue.
Beneficial Delay for Ivory Coast
The Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan is primed for group matches featuring Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, two last 16 ties, and a quarter-final.
Initially, Ivory Coast was set to host the 2021 Nations Cup. However, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) reassigned it to Cameroon, which was to host the 2019 finals.
Despite an initial protest to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in December 2018, Ivory Coast consented to the change following discussions between President Ouattara and then Caf president Ahmad.
Now, with six stadiums and 24 training grounds completed, alongside upgrades in transport, hospitality, and medical facilities, the delay seems advantageous.
Nimba noted, “While we could have been ready by 2021, the postponement proved beneficial. It allowed for extensive testing of infrastructure, crowd management, and security, ensuring our readiness.”
Ivory Coast has had ample time to fine-tune its facilities, with the then sports minister declaring a 99% readiness in July.
Stadiums in Active Use
Ivorian football federation president Idriss Diallo recently toured the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
The stadiums have been active, hosting events like this year’s Women’s African Champions League in Korhogo and San Pedro.
A setback occurred in September during a friendly between Ivory Coast and Mali at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium. Heavy rain disrupted the match, but the issue was later attributed to maintenance rather than drainage. The stadium successfully hosted a 2026 World Cup qualifier recently.
After enduring civil wars from 2002 to 2011, Ivory Coast has made significant improvements in infrastructure. Officials are optimistic about delivering an unprecedented Nations Cup experience.
Francois Albert Amichia of the local organizing committee assured, “On January 13, we will present an extraordinary spectacle to the world. We expect the 24 teams to showcase the continued evolution of African football, as seen in the World Cup in Qatar.”
Having last hosted the Nations Cup in 1984, Ivory Coast is eager to claim its first home-soil title. They previously won in Senegal in 1992 and Equatorial Guinea in 2015.
Konan, with 31 caps since 2017, remains hopeful yet cautious, “Hosting gives us an edge, but the competition is fierce. We’re determined to keep the trophy here.”
Report by Noel Ebrin Brou in Ivory Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Afcon 2023 Ivory Coast
When is the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to start and end?
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to commence on January 13, with the opening game, and conclude with the final on February 11.
Which city in Ivory Coast will host the opening and final matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations?
Abidjan, the economic hub of Ivory Coast, will host the opening game and the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.
How has the Ivory Coast prepared for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations?
Ivory Coast has prepared by utilizing around 20,000 volunteers to support the tournament, updating transport, hotel, and medical facilities, and ensuring stadiums and training grounds are ready.
What was the reason for rescheduling the tournament to January 2024?
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was moved from its original June-July schedule to January 2024 to avoid the rainy season in Ivory Coast.
How many cities in Ivory Coast will host the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations matches?
Five cities in Ivory Coast, including Abidjan, Bouake, San Pedro, Korhogo, and the capital Yamoussoukro, will host the matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
What unique approach is being taken regarding volunteer support for non-Ivorian teams?
Around 20,000 volunteers will be part of the event, with a portion specifically assigned to support non-Ivorian teams, a first for the tournament.
What has been done to ensure high attendance at the matches?
Efforts include mobilizing school children and local committees to attend games, reaching out to even the smallest hamlets to ensure full stadiums.
Which countries are featured in key group matches at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan?
Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria will play their group matches at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, which will also host two last 16 ties and a quarter-final.
How has the delay in hosting the tournament impacted Ivory Coast’s preparations?
The delay allowed Ivory Coast extra time to improve infrastructure, test facilities extensively for technical, crowd control, and security aspects, and enhance overall readiness.
When did Ivory Coast last host the Nations Cup and what are their achievements in the tournament?
Ivory Coast last hosted the Nations Cup in 1984 and has won the title twice, once in Senegal in 1992 and again in Equatorial Guinea in 2015.
More about Afcon 2023 Ivory Coast
- Africa Cup of Nations Official Website
- Ivory Coast Football Federation
- Confederation of African Football (CAF)
- Sport News Center Africa
- Abidjan City Guide
- History of the Africa Cup of Nations
- Ivorian Sports Ministry Updates
- Stadiums of the 2023 Afcon
- Ivory Coast National Team Achievements
- 2023 Afcon Volunteer Program Information
5 comments
Just read about Afcon 2023, looks like Ivory Coast is going all out. It’s been a while since they hosted last, hope they pull off an amazing tournament. And those cities hosting the matches, each one must be buzzing with excitement!
20,000 volunteers? thats a lot, hope it helps with the attendance issues previous cups had. and it’s good to see them preparing for security and crowd control too, safety first always.
not sure if moving the tournament to avoid the rainy season was the best call, but I guess it makes sense. Also, those stadium capacities are impressive, especially the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.
i’m so excited for this! been following African football for years and it’s great to see countries like Ivory Coast hosting. Plus, the idea of volunteers supporting non-home teams is pretty cool.
wow this is some in depth coverage of the Afcon 2023? really shows how much effort Ivory Coast is putting in to make this a great event. their infrastructure improvements sound massive!