By The start and conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Cup (AFCON) competition have now been scheduled for 2024.
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, will host the opening ceremony for the biennial competition scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire on January 13, 2024, with the final scheduled for February 11 of that same year.
Four countries, including the defending champions Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, and South Africa, reserved their spots in Cote d’Ivoire as of the most recent international calendar date. Following a shocking 1-0 loss to Guinea Bissau on March 24, the Super Eagles of Nigeria took a step closer to qualifying with a victory over the African nation.
The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 dates have officially been confirmed by CAF, and the first game is set for Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, according to the official CAF website.
During the course of four weeks, 24 nations will fight to see who will succeed in Senegal as champions or if the Teranga Lions can successfully defend the title they won for the first time in 2021.
The CAF website states, “This will be the 34th edition of the event. And after being held in Cote d’Ivoire for the first time in 1984, when Cameroon won for the first time, it returns there this year.
The Final Draw for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire will take place in September 2023, according to CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba.
If the Super Eagles defeat Sierra Leone in June, they will solidify their position in the race for a fourth championship.
In addition, CAF stated, “With the rapidly increasing global interest of CAF competitions recorded in the last few months, CAF is projecting record global TV audiences and stadium attendances for next year’s edition of its flagship competition, which also holds the distinction of being Africa’s biggest event right now.
“As evident in the recently concluded CAF competitions, CAF has taken giant steps to enhance the viewing and stadium attendance experience of its competitions with the introduction of cutting-edge broadcast technology as well as digital engagement, resulting in a world-class product that is consumed in real-time across the globe,” the statement reads.
Twelve groups make up the qualifying series, and after four games, Sadio Mane and Victor Osimhen are equal for the lead with five goals each.
