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Ivory Coast is preparing to host the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations in football, starting next Saturday, for the first time in 40 years, amid anticipation and preparedness surrounding the country that loves the tournament.
In the Cocody market, in the center of the economic capital, Abidjan, Malian, Senegalese and Ivorian merchants gather together, discussing their teams’ chances of winning the continental title.
One says, “Ivory Coast will beat Mali in the final!”, while the other replies, “No way, it will be Senegal!”
The zero hour sounded, marking the start of the tournament, with the expected confrontation between the hosts and Guinea-Bissau next Saturday.
Despite the fear expressed by citizens in Abidjan about crowding and traffic jams during match days, in a city that is often crowded, the general feeling is surrounded by great enthusiasm.
Fan Lassina Kanta (21 years old), who hopes to watch the opening match in the stadium, says, “It will be a crazy atmosphere, because everyone knows Ivory Coast, the country of joy and joy.”
Ivory Coast will witness the holding of the African Nations Championship between January 13 and February 11 of next year, with the presence of five Arab teams among 24 teams, for the second time in a row after the previous edition that was held in Cameroon in 2021. What is the most important thing to know about the edition? Coming? pic.twitter.com/3IphjLrRV3
– Al Jazeera Net Sports (@AJASports) January 7, 2024
“Aquaba”
For his part, Omar Doumbia, who works as a car technician in Bouaké (centre), where Burkina Faso and Algeria will play, says: “I have never had the opportunity to attend the African Cup. I am a happy man today, and I will not miss any match on the field.”
Ivory Coast has previously hosted the continental championship only once in its history, and that was in 1984, during a period when participation was limited to only 8 teams, compared to 24 teams today.
Returning to the economic capital, white balloons bearing the slogan “Akwaba” (Welcome in the Akan language) are spread on the bridge leading to the “Le Plateau” area, and billboards in the colors of the “Elephants” players abound.
In the markets, merchants – who are accustomed to selling statues, masks and fabrics – have added replicas of the Ivory Coast national team shirt to their goods in recent days.
Lamin Kone (one of the merchants) explains, “T-shirts are sold like hot bread! There are people who turn to merchants just to sell shirts.”
Hospitality
The 24 teams are expected to take place in 5 cities. In addition to Abidjan and its two stadiums, the teams will be distributed between the political capital, Yamoussoukro, the large city of Bouaké, the port of San Pedro (southwest), and Korhogo (north).
For his part, President Alassane Ouattara announced – during his New Year’s speech – “Let us mobilize our efforts to make this session a great celebration of the youth, the hospitality of Ivory Coast and African brotherhood.”
Côte d’Ivoire gives absolute priority to organizing an exceptional event, considering that it constitutes an opportunity and a bridge towards the country’s development.
– Al Jazeera Net Sports (@AJASports) January 8, 2024
The government showed a willingness to spend what is necessary to ensure the success of the event, investing about 1.5 billion US dollars.
In addition to the six stadiums that were built or renovated, roads and bridges were built and hotels were established, and work doubled significantly during the last period before the end of 2023.
Prime Minister Robert Bouguere-Mambé, who also took over the sports portfolio, made several trips to host cities to lobby to ensure the projects are completed in a timely manner.
Mambé confirmed, during the Cabinet meeting last Thursday, that Ivory Coast is prepared at all levels: “the sports infrastructure and the reception and transportation system.”
It is clear that the local authorities are actively seeking to turn the page on the miserable failure that occurred last September 12, when the friendly match between Ivory Coast and Mali was stopped due to water that flooded the field following a strong storm, at the “Epembe” stadium on the outskirts of Abidjan.
As part of the general mobilization, the country will allocate about 20,000 volunteers, 17,000 police personnel, and 2,500 supervisors throughout the month of competition, as organizers expect about 1.5 million visitors, especially from participating neighboring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Ghana.
As for what Ivory Coast still fears, it is what its national team will present, as fans hope that the “Elephants” will be present in the final match scheduled for next February 11, and that they will win the title for the third time in its history after 1992 and 2015.
