2023 Africa Cup of Nations

[AFCON 2023/Ghanaian Times]

Written by Kinywa Mwangi

The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, aptly named the TotalEnergies 2023 AFCON, has descended upon Ivory Coast, marking the second time the nation has hosted this prestigious biennial football tournament. A sporting extravaganza organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the AFCON 2023 promises to be a showcase of talent, resilience, and footballing passion.

Originally slated to occur during the Northern Hemisphere's summer, this edition faced a scheduling curveball. Concerns about the adverse summer weather in Ivory Coast prompted CAF to reschedule the tournament from 13 January to 11 February 2024. This alteration aimed to ensure optimal playing conditions while retaining the sponsorship nomenclature – a testament to the agility and adaptability of the organizers.

Senegal enters the tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the title in the previous edition in Cameroon. As the football fever grips the nation, let's delve into the journey leading up to this monumental event, exploring the twists and turns that shaped the AFCON 2023.

Host Selection Odyssey

The journey to select the host nation for the 2023 AFCON was not without its twists. Initially earmarked for Guinea, the hosting duties faced delays, eventually leading to Morocco stepping in as the replacement host. Ivory Coast, originally awarded the 2021 edition, navigated similar challenges, prompting a shift to the 2023 slot to avoid weather-related complications.

Rejected bids from Cameroon, Kenya, Sudan, and Senegal added a layer of complexity to the host selection process. Guinea's unforeseen withdrawal from hosting rights in 2023 created a void filled by Ivory Coast, setting the stage for the African football spectacle on Ivorian soil.

Akwaba: Unveiling the Spirit of AFCON 2023

The organizing board welcomed the footballing world to Ivory Coast with the unveiling of the competition's theme, "Akwaba," meaning "Welcome" in the Baoulé language. Symbolized by an elephant, Ivory Coast's national animal, the event promises a warm reception and a celebration of footballing excellence.

In a nod to history, CAF and Puma introduced the official tournament match ball named "Pokou" on 12 October 2023. The ball pays homage to the late Ivorian football legend Laurent Pokou, recognized for his extraordinary feat of scoring five goals in a 6–1 victory over Ethiopia in the 1970 tournament. This symbolic gesture adds a touch of sentimentality to the proceedings, honoring a football icon whose legacy continues to inspire.

Musical Rhythms and Anthem "Akwaba"

The AFCON 2023 is not only a feast for football enthusiasts but also a celebration of culture and music. CAF unveiled the official song for the competition, "Akwaba," during the draw ceremony on 12 October 2023. The anthem, featuring Nigerian artist Yemi Alade, Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan, and Ivorian music band Magic System, blends Afrobeats, rap, and zouglou, echoing the vibrant traditions of past tournament anthems.

Qualification Odyssey

The journey to the AFCON 2023 witnessed 54 teams vying for qualification. Held in two rounds, the qualification process saw highs and lows. Réunion and Zanzibar were excluded, while Eritrea withdrew after the first round draw. Kenya and Zimbabwe faced suspension from FIFA at the time of the second round draw, ultimately missing out on the competition.

The preliminary round featured the twelve lowest-ranked teams, with the six winners progressing to join the higher-placed teams in twelve groups of four. The second round, played from June 2022 to September 2023, determined the final roster of teams for the grand event.

The TotalEnergies 2023 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a captivating spectacle. The blend of football prowess, cultural richness, and a warm Ivorian embrace will undoubtedly make this edition a memorable chapter in the storied history of African football. Get ready for a journey filled with dazzling goals, breathtaking moments, and the resounding cheers of passionate fans echoing across stadiums in Ivory Coast. The AFCON 2023 has arrived – let the footballing extravaganza begin!