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The original was posted on /r/soccer by /u/mikears3349 on 2024-01-08 15:43:01.

From 13 January to 11 February of 2024, Africa’s premier footballing competition is set to take place in one of Africa’s premier footballing countries. The color, passion and drama of the Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in La Cote d’Ivoire, and the 34th edition of this tournament promises to be one of the best in recent memory. Over the upcoming days we will attempt to provide an overview of the teams involved, the hosting preparations, and what to expect of AFCON 2023.

The Hosts: Ivory Coast

Official name: République de Côte d’Ivoire

Population: 29.4 million (2021 census)

Capital: Yamoussoukro (political), Abidjan (economic)

Largest city: Abidjan (6.3 million)

Official language: French

Main local languages: Baoulé, Bété, Dioula

Currency: West Africa CFA Franc (XOF)

Time zone: GMT

President: Alassane Dramane Ouattara

The Ivory Coast, officially known as the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, is a West African country characterized by a diverse landscape encompassing coastal areas, dense forests, and savannahs. Securing independence from France in 1960, the country emerged as a leader of West Africa under Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who led the country for 3 decades during which the country largely enjoyed an economic prosperity known as the “Ivorian miracle.” However, things would soon collapse after his death in 1993, as ethnic and religious tensions between the predominantly Muslim north and Christian south, and between ‘indigenous Ivorians’ and descendants of the generations of migrants from neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso were exploited by Houphouët-Boigny’s successors. This would lead to a sustained political crisis and two defined civil wars through the 2000s and early 2010s. Eventually Alassane Ouattara, of Burkinabe descent and backed by France would take power after Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept the results of the 2010 presidential election, leading to international intervention. However, since these crises Ivory Coast has experienced stability, with the government publicly promoting peace and national reconciliation, and holding regular (albeit at times controversial) elections. Crucially economic growth has returned due to its strong exports (particularly cocoa, of which it exports the most in the world), foreign investment, infrastructural development by the government, and an ever-increasing rate of urbanisation, with Abidjan being an economic powerhouse of the continent and perhaps the most well-developed city in the region. These efforts toward political stability and economic development signal a hopeful future for the Ivory Coast, as it strives to harness its resources and diverse population for sustainable growth.

The Host Cities:

5 Ivorian cities will host matches in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, located in each geographic region of the country.

Abidjan (District Autonome d’Abidjan, southeast, population 6.3 million):

Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast, is a bustling and cosmopolitan city situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. Renowned for its vibrant urban atmosphere, the city serves as a major economic and cultural hub. With a skyline adorned by modern skyscrapers, Abidjan boasts a dynamic economy fueled by diverse sectors, including finance, commerce, and industry. Its strategic location as a major port enhances its status as a key trade gateway, facilitating the import and export of goods. Abidjan’s multiculturalism is reflected in its diverse neighborhoods, each contributing to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Despite periods of political unrest in the country’s history, Abidjan has demonstrated resilience and continues to play a pivotal role in the Ivory Coast’s economic development.

Yamoussoukro (District Autonome d’Yamoussoukro, centre, population 422,072):

Yamoussoukro, the political capital of the Ivory Coast, stands as a city of historical and symbolic significance. While not as bustling as Abidjan, Yamoussoukro is notable for being the birthplace of the country’s first president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and the late president invested much into the city that is located in his home region (perhaps to the detriment of other areas). The city is home to several landmarks, with the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace being a prominent feature—a grand Catholic cathedral that is one of the largest in the world. Despite its political designation as the capital, much of the country’s administrative functions remain centered in Abidjan. Yamoussoukro showcases a blend of traditional and modern elements, and its significance lies in its role as a political and cultural center, embodying the nation’s history and aspirations.

Bouaké (District de la Vallée du Bandama, centre-north, population 832,371):

Bouaké, the second-largest city in the Ivory Coast, holds strategic importance as a major urban center in the central part of the country. Known for its vibrant markets, cultural events, and educational institutions, Bouaké serves as a key hub for trade and commerce. The city has played a historical role in the country’s political landscape, and it was a focal point during periods of civil unrest and conflict, as rebel forces often took base in the city due to it being the gateway to the north of the country. In recent years, Bouaké has been undergoing development efforts, with improvements in infrastructure and services contributing to its growing significance. The city’s diverse population and cultural heritage make it a dynamic and evolving part of the Ivory Coast’s social and economic landscape.

Korhogo (District des Savanes, north, population 440,926):

Korhogo, situated in the northern part of the Ivory Coast and fairly close to the border with Mali and Burkina Faso, stands as a prominent regional center with a rich cultural heritage. Known for its traditional crafts, particularly the vibrant woven fabrics produced by local artisans, Korhogo has gained recognition for its unique contribution to the country’s artistic landscape. The city serves as a market town, facilitating trade in agricultural products such as millet, sorghum, and cotton. Additionally, Korhogo has seen infrastructural developments, contributing to its role as a growing urban center.

San-Pedro (District du Bas-Sassandra, west, 390,654):

San-Pedro, a bustling port city situated on the southwestern coast of the Ivory Coast, is a vital economic and industrial hub. Renowned for its deep-water port, one of the largest in West Africa, San Pedro serves as a crucial gateway for the country’s export activities, particularly for cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. The city’s strategic location has attracted investment in industries such as agribusiness, petrochemicals, and shipping. With a diverse population and a mix of cultures, San Pedro offers a unique blend of economic opportunities and cultural richness. The city’s development has been marked by efforts to enhance infrastructure and foster sustainable growth, making it a key player in the economic landscape of the Ivory Coast.

Hosting preparations:

As is tradition with CAF, Ivory Coast came to host this edition of the AFCON under convoluted circumstances. They were originally awarded the 2021 edition, with Cameroon supposed to host in 2019 and Guinea in 2023. However, Cameroon was stripped of hosting the 2019 edition due to being behind in preparations, and then CAF president Ahmad Ahmad proposed a shift with Cameroon hosting 2021, Ivory Coast hosting 2023 and Guinea (now Morocco) hosting 2025. This was approved by the Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara. The tournament was also ‘planned’ to be held in the summer, but anyone with a basic knowledge of West African climate knows that it was always unlikely to happen due to the intense rainy season and the effect on the pitches and infrastructure, and it was duly eventually moved to the typical January-February slot.

However, there is strong optimism that Ivory Coast will prove to be an excellent host for the tournament. Despite the civil war that divided the country in the early 21st century, Ivory Coast has always been one of the more economically developed nations in West Africa, with better infrastructure than most if not all of its neighbours.

For this tournament 6 stadiums will be utilised, built or renovated in partnership with Chinese and French companies. The new stadiums are:

  • Stade Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé (Abidjan, 60000 capacity, will host opening match, Group A, R16, quarterfinal, semi-final, final)
  • Stade Charles Konan Banny (Yamoussoukro, 20000 capacity, will host Group C, R16, quarterfinal)
  • Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly (Korhogo, 20000 capacity, will host Group E, R16)
  • Stade Laurent Pokou (San-Pedro, 20000 capacity, will host Group F, R16)

The two renovated stadiums are Ivory Coast’s most historic stadiums, they are:

  • Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny, known locally as Le Félicia (Abidjan, 33000 capacity, will host Group B, R16, quarterfinal, third place)
  • Stade de la Paix de Bouaké (Bouaké, 40000 capacity, will host Group D, R16, quarterfinal, semifinal)

All of these stadiums have been repeatedly inspected by CAF officials and tested through matches of the national team (qualifiers and friendlies), CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminaries for Ivorian and Burkinabe clubs, and the recent CAF Women’s Champions League which was held in Sa…

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