The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as AFCON or CAN 2023, is set to captivate football fans across the continent as Ivory Coast gears up to host the 34th edition of this prestigious biennial tournament. Scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, this will mark the second time Ivory Coast has hosted the event, with the first occasion dating back to 1984.

Originally planned to be the third edition held during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, the tournament faced a rescheduling to January-February 2024 due to adverse summer weather concerns in Ivory Coast. This adjustment aims to ensure optimal playing conditions while retaining the event’s original name for sponsorship purposes – TotalEnergies 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2021 edition in Cameroon saw Senegal emerge as the champions, setting the stage for an exciting defense of their title in Ivory Coast. With the tournament moved to a winter schedule, teams are gearing up to face new challenges and opportunities.

Host selection for AFCON 2023 witnessed an unexpected turn of events. Originally awarded to Guinea, hosting duties were pushed back to 2025 due to Cameroon hosting in 2021 instead of 2019. Ivory Coast, initially awarded the 2021 tournament, accepted the challenge to host in 2023, requesting a winter schedule to avoid the West and Central African tropical rain season.

The qualification stage showcased the fierce competition among African nations, with teams like Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, and Nigeria securing their spots in the tournament. Notably, Ivory Coast, as hosts, automatically qualified, marking their 25th appearance in the AFCON.

Defending champions Senegal enter the tournament as strong contenders, led by a talented squad eager to maintain their status as Africa’s football powerhouse. Traditional football powerhouses like Nigeria, Morocco, and Algeria are expected to bring their A-game, while the host nation, Ivory Coast, fueled by home support, aims to make a mark on the tournament.

The anticipation for the 2023 AFCON is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the clash of football titans and the emergence of new stars. The tournament promises thrilling matches, showcasing the rich tapestry of African football. With the shift to a winter schedule, the event opens new possibilities, testing teams’ adaptability and strategic prowess.

The tournament will unfold across six stadiums in five host cities: Abidjan, Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, Korhogo, and San-Pédro. These state-of-the-art venues, including the Alassane Ouattara Stadium and the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, are poised to witness the drama and excitement of AFCON 2023.

Akwaba, the official mascot of the 2023 AFCON, symbolizes the warm welcome awaiting teams and fans. The tournament’s official match ball, “Pokou,” pays tribute to the legendary Ivorian forward Laurent Pokou. The official song, “Akwaba,” featuring artists Yemi Alade, Mohamed Ramadan, and Magic System, sets the stage for a musical celebration intertwined with the spirit of African football.

Knockout Stage and Beyond

The knockout stage, scheduled for late January and early February 2024, will determine the ultimate champion. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the eagerly awaited final on February 11, 2024, will unfold across iconic stadiums, culminating in the crowning of the 2023 AFCON champion.

Football enthusiasts around the world can catch the action live through various broadcasters, including EPTV in Algeria, beIN Sports in France and the MENA region, and CAF TV on YouTube for global coverage.

As the countdown to the 2023 AFCON begins, football fans are bracing themselves for a month-long spectacle that promises to showcase the best of African football and unite nations in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Get ready for a football extravaganza like no other!