The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, set to kick off on January 13 with the grand opening and closing matches scheduled for February 11, will take place in Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.
Ghislain Konan, an Ivory Coast international currently playing in Saudi Arabia, expressed immense pride in his nation hosting the event. He assured that visitors would experience exceptional hospitality, emphasizing the country’s culture of warmly embracing guests. Konan, hailing from Abidjan, highlighted this welcoming spirit as a hallmark of Ivorian culture.
The Ivorian government plans to employ around 20,000 volunteers, including school children, to ensure full stadiums throughout the tournament. This strategy aims to enhance the atmosphere at matches, even when the home team isn’t playing.
Originally scheduled for June-July but moved to January 2024 to avoid the rainy season, the tournament will unfold in five cities, including Abidjan, which uniquely boasts two stadiums. The Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, alongside other venues in Bouake, San Pedro, Korhogo, and the capital Yamoussoukro, will host the matches. These cities’ stadiums vary in capacity, with Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium and the Bouake stadium accommodating larger crowds.
Toure Nimba from the sports ministry revealed an unprecedented initiative where volunteers will support teams from other countries. This inclusive approach aims to foster a vibrant and diverse fan base across all games.
The Nations Cup has historically struggled with low attendance when the host nation isn’t playing. However, following Cameroon’s success in the 2021 edition in reversing this trend, Ivory Coast hopes to replicate that success.
The tournament’s delay, initially slated for 2021 but reassigned to Cameroon by the Confederation of African Football (Caf), has arguably benefited Ivory Coast. Despite initial protests, the postponement allowed for more thorough preparation and infrastructure improvements, enhancing readiness for the event.
The Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan will host critical matches, including games involving Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria. This stadium will also stage two last 16 ties and a quarter-final.
Stadiums across the country have already seen action, hosting several matches, including the Women’s African Champions League. Despite some setbacks, such as a rained-out friendly match at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, overall preparations have been successful.
With the country having recovered from civil wars between 2002 and 2011, officials are optimistic about hosting a memorable Nations Cup. Francois Albert Amichia of the local organising committee promises an unforgettable event starting January 13.
Ivory Coast, having last hosted the Nations Cup in 1984, aims to win on home soil for the first time. Konan, with 31 caps for the national team, acknowledges the challenge but remains hopeful, given the home-field advantage.
Reported additionally 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 set to commence on January 13, with the final match scheduled for February 11.
Where will the opening and final games of Afcon 2023 be held?
The Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan will host both the opening game and the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
How is Ivory Coast ensuring full stadiums during Afcon 2023?
The Ivorian government plans to use about 20,000 volunteers, including school children, to help fill the stadiums during the Nations Cup matches.
What led to the rescheduling of Afcon 2023 from its initial dates?
Afcon 2023 was moved from June-July to January 2024 to avoid the rainy season in Ivory Coast.
How many cities in Ivory Coast will host the Afcon 2023 matches?
Five cities in Ivory Coast, including Abidjan, Bouake, San Pedro, Korhogo, and the capital Yamoussoukro, will host the Afcon 2023 matches.
What is unique about the stadium hosting arrangements in Abidjan for Afcon 2023?
Abidjan is the only city using two stadiums for Afcon 2023, with the newly-built Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium hosting the opening match and final.
How are the 2023 Afcon host venues prepared for the event?
The stadiums have been tested through various matches, including the Women’s African Champions League, ensuring readiness in terms of infrastructure and facilities.
What historical significance does Afcon 2023 hold for Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast last hosted the Nations Cup in 1984 and is aiming to win the title on home soil for the first time in 2023.
More about Afcon 2023 Ivory Coast
- Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Overview
- Afcon 2023: Ivory Coast’s Stadium Strategy
- Afcon 2023 Schedule and Venues
- Afcon 2023 Rescheduling Reasons
- Hosting Cities for Afcon 2023
- Abidjan Stadiums in Afcon 2023
- Afcon 2023 Venue Preparations
- Historical Significance of Afcon 2023 for Ivory Coast
5 comments
abidjan using two stadiums, that’s quite something, but will this really fix the low attendance issue? let’s hope it works better than previous years…
wow, afcon 2023 in Ivory Coast is gonna be epic! Using school kids to fill stadiums, that’s pretty smart and inclusive. Good to see them bouncing back from past troubles.
ivorian officials seem confident but i wonder if the infrastructure really is up to the mark, considering the past civil wars and stuff. I guess time will tell, fingers crossed!
Last hosted in 1984, that’s a long gap for Ivory Coast! It’s great to see them back in the spotlight. Hopefully, they’ll make a strong showing on their home turf.
The move to Jan 2024 to avoid rainy season… smart thinking! but hey, what about the teams? any chance for an underdog victory this year? i’m rooting for the unexpected!