ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — As the anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, Ivory Coast organisers express confidence in the success of the tournament, assuring fans and participants that they have learned from past challenges and have implemented stringent security and safety measures.

The Ivory Coast, a heavyweight in African football, is set to host the AFCON for the second time, with the competition featuring 24 teams, a significant increase from the eight-team format in 1984. The tournament, scheduled to run from January 13 to February 11, will see Senegal defend their title after their historic win against Egypt in the 2022 edition.

Despite the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone the tournament from the original summer dates due to concerns about the rainy season, Ivory Coast has invested approximately $1.5 billion in various infrastructure projects, including the renovation of the 350-kilometer coastal road connecting Abidjan and San Pedro.

Addressing potential external security risks posed by neighbouring jihadist activities and internal concerns over crowd control, Youssouf Kouyate, director-general of the Ivory Coast police, assured the public, saying, “We are going to open the gates to the stadium very early; we will ensure the spectators form an orderly queue so they can enter the stadium without any trouble.”

He emphasised the importance of spectators arriving early to facilitate smooth entry into the stadiums. With expectations of 1.5 million fans from outside the country, the organisers have deployed 17,000 soldiers and police, along with 2,500 stadium staff, to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

Recalling the tragic stampede during the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon, where eight people died during a match between Cameroon and the Comoros due to a crush in the stands, Ivory Coast authorities are determined to avoid a similar tragedy. “It is, after all, not the first big sporting event Ivory Coast has had to organise. We hosted the Francophone Games in 2017. We are calm,” Kouyate stated.

However, the road to hosting AFCON 2023 hasn’t been without challenges. Months ago, torrential rain flooded the pitch at the newly constructed 60,000-capacity Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, leading to the removal of Prime Minister Patrick Achi and Sports Minister Paulin Danho from their posts. The stadium, which is set to host the opening game and the final, has undergone significant renovations to ensure resistance to future catastrophes.

Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian football federation, expressed optimism, saying, “Thanks to our stadiums, we will become a hub for teams in the region that do not have such facilities. Before, they all went to play in Morocco; now, they will come here.”

As Ivory Coast prepares to showcase its commitment to hosting a successful tournament, all eyes will be on the AFCON 2023, with the hope that it will be remembered for the excitement on the pitch rather than off-field challenges.

Mimi Mefo Info