C.A.F RELEASES A SCHEDULE ON THE AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

The Confederation of African Football (C.A.F) recently published a compilation of essential information to know before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations Côte D’Ivoire 2023.

With less than a week to go before the start of CAF’s flagship competition, the continent’s football governing body has compiled a list of information to be read thoroughly, before the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations gets underway.

From the context, to the official mascot, the Official Ball, important matches and favourites to watch out for, the Confederation of African Football has compiled an almost complete list to get the competition off to a good start.

Everything you need to know about the CAF Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Côte D’Ivoire 2023.

As the CAF Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Côte D’Ivoire 2023 approaches, impatience and excitement are at their peak.

Ivory Coast is hosting the highly awaited tournament for the second time in its history, following the 1984 edition.

Below is a complete guide to everything you need to know about the 34th edition of Africa’s biggest sporting event, with 30 days to go.

• HOST AND OPENING MATCH: Ivory Coast is the host country of the competition. The opening match is scheduled for Saturday 13^th January 2024, at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, where the Elephants will take on Guinea-Bissau.
• BACKGROUND: Ivory Coast is hosting the tournament for the second time since 1984.
• VENUES: The matches will be played in six stadiums in five host cities, reflecting Ivory Coast’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure. The cities chosen are: Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro.
• AKWABA – THE OFFICIAL MASCOT: The official mascot, “Akwaba”, is derived from the Baoulé word meaning “Welcome”. Represented by an elephant, Akwaba’s costume pays tribute to the identity of the host country by reflecting the colours of Ivory Coast.
• “POKOU” – THE OFFICIAL MATCH BALL: The official football match is called “Pokou”. It pays tribute to Ivorian football legend Laurent Pokou, famous for scoring five goals in the 6-1 victory over Ethiopia in the 1970 tournament.
• “AKWABA” – THE OFFICIAL ANTHEM: The official anthem, “Akwaba”, is performed by Nigerian artist Yemi Alade, Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan and Ivorian music group Magic System. The song blends Afrobeat, rap and zouglou, embodying a unique musical fusion deeply rooted in the tradition of the tournament.
• GROUP STRUCTURE: The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four teams, with interesting encounters such as Egypt/Ghana in Group B and Senegal/Cameroon in Group C.
• TOURNAMENT FORMAT: The top two teams in each group, and the four best third-placed teams qualify for the Round of 16, followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, a match for third place and the final.
• KICK-OFF TIMES: During the group stages, at least two matches will be scheduled for 14:00, 17:00 and 20:00 (GMT). Similar times will be used for the knockout matches starting on Saturday, 27^th
• DETAILS OF THE OPENING MATCH: Ivory Coast – Guinea-Bissau at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan (20:00 GMT) on Saturday 13^th
• KICK-OFF OF THE GROUP PHASE: At least two matches per day until 24^th January in different stadiums and cities.
• HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OPENING WEEKEND: Egypt, seventh -time world champions, takes on Mozambique in Group B, while defending champions Senegal begins the defence of their title against Gambia in Group C on Monday 15^th
• SECOND ROUND MATCHES: The second-round matches kick off on Saturday 27^th January, with interesting fixtures such as the winner of Group D taking on the third-placed team in Group B/E/F in Bouaké (17:00 GMT).
• QUARTER-FINALS: The quarter-finals kick off on Friday 2^nd
• SEMI-FINALS: On Wednesday 7^th February, the winners of the quarter-finals will face each other in Bouaké (17:00 GMT) and at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan (20:00 GMT).
• MATCH FOR THIRD PLACE: Saturday 10^th February at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan (20:00 GMT).
• FINALS: The moment everyone is waiting for – the final clash will take place on Sunday 11^th February at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan (20:00 GMT).
• TOURNAMENT FAVOURITES: Reigning champions Senegal, are considered favourites despite the departure of key players Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy to the Saudi Pro League. Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria and Ivory Coast are other strong contenders. Morocco, who have just reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, are looking for a second African title, while Ivory Coast remains a force to be reckoned with.
• IVORY COAST-NIGERIA: The duel between the two West African giants will take place on 18^th January at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan (17:00 GMT).
• SENEGAL-CAMEROON: The clash of the Group C heavyweights takes place on 20^th January at the Charles Konan Banny stadium in Yamoussoukro (14:00 GMT).
• As kick-off approaches, the CAF Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Côte D’Ivoire 2023 promises to be a brilliant, dramatic and unforgettable spectacle of football.
• Get ready for a long-month celebration of African football excellence!

Delia Nyadi