2024-04-23 21:23:22
Initially scheduled for June 23 to July 23, 2023, CAN-2023, which sees the participation of the Atlas Lions, was postponed from January 13 to February 11, 2024 due to the rainy season.
This African continental tournament is being held two years after CAN 2022, which was postponed due to Covid-19, and one year after the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The opening ceremony, which was followed by the first match of this prestigious tournament between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau, began with artistic performances performed by African troops who, through their talent and manner to highlight the richness of African culture, amazed the public who came in large numbers to the stadium as well as the Ivorian spectators adorned in orange.
At the same time, music stars Magic System, Yemi Alade and Mohamed Ramadan performed the official anthem of the competition, entitled “Akwaba”, which means “welcome”. This composition, specially created for the occasion, aims to celebrate the warm hospitality of Côte d’Ivoire.
Subsequently, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara delivered a speech in which he stressed that Côte d’Ivoire is a land of fraternity, hospitality and football, welcoming the guests of his country and good luck to the various teams qualified for this continental sporting competition.
For his part, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, who spoke after a brief speech by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, welcomed everyone on behalf of the 54 African countries. to everyone on Ivorian soil for this sporting event which will continue until February 11.
The opening ceremony of this CAN took place in the presence of the presidents of Ghana and Guinea Bissau, and the vice-president of Equatorial Guinea.
Also present were delegations representing the 24 countries taking part in this competition, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Côte d’Ivoire, including HM the King’s Ambassador in Abidjan, Abdemalek Kettani, and several other personalities from various backgrounds.
The organizing committee (COCAN-2023) intends to make this 34th edition a “unique experience” for spectators and supporters through the triptych of “hospitality, passion and sharing”.
Whether through the warm welcome, the fervor of supporters or the highlighting of the rich cultural heritage of Côte d’Ivoire, this CAN promises, according to COCAN, to be “memorable”.
Five cities were chosen to host this CAN: Abidjan, the economic capital, Yamoussoukro, the political capital, the large city of Bouaké, San Pedro, the country’s second port, and Korhogo, located in the north of the country.
The tournament brings together 24 teams divided into six groups. The top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams qualify for the knockout stage.
Housed in Group F alongside Tanzania, DR Congo and Zambia, the Moroccan selection, the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup last year in Qatar, will play its first match, on January 17, against Tanzania.
The knockout stage will begin with the round of 16. Then will come the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the grand final. Note that unlike Euro 2024 and other European championships, the African Cup of Nations organizes a match for third place.
2024-04-23 21:23:22