Cote d’Ivoire is set to host the African Cup of Nations for the second time in its history after 1984.
The details of the 34th edition of the continental football extravaganza are taking shape. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) website visited by APA on Thursday, ‘the competition will kick off on January 13, 2024, with the final to be played on February 11.”
Alongside the hosts, Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Burkina Faso and reigning champions Senegal have qualified for the tournament with two rounds of qualifying still to play. The opening match of the final phase, which will pit the continent’s 24 best nations against each other, will be played at the Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpe stadium in Abidjan.
“Based on initial estimates, CAF is expecting record television and stadium attendances for the 2023 Cup of Nations. There is an unprecedented level of interest from global media rights holders,” the confederation said.
CAF also said it had “made giant strides in improving the experience of television viewers and stadium audiences during its competitions through the introduction of cutting-edge broadcast technology and digital engagement to deliver a world-class, real-time product that will be consumed across the globe.”
Finally, CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba confirmed that the draw for the 2023 AfCON will take place next September and that “the date and venue will be communicated later.”
ID/ac/lb/abj/APA