With the continent abuzz in anticipation, Raila Odinga, the Principal of the Azimio la Umoja One Coalition, has shared his enthusiasm and best wishes for the impending kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement posted on his official X (Twitter) platform, Raila expressed his keen anticipation for the commencement of the games, extending warm wishes to all 24 participating teams.
“I am eagerly looking forward to the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations tonight! I wish all 24 teams an incredible tournament filled with passion and unforgettable moments,” he conveyed.
As the leader of the ODM party, Raila, speaking as a proud Kenyan, expressed his hope that Kenya’s National football team, Harambee Stars, would be part of the next AFCON.
“As Kenyans, we hope and look forward to seeing Harambee Stars feature in the next one. Who do you think will lift the trophy?” he queried.
The highly awaited AFCON is set to unfold in Cote d’Ivoire, with matches scheduled to kick off on January 13 and conclude on February 11, 2024.
Despite the tournament being held in 2024, it is referred to as AFCON 2023. Originally slated for the summer, the Confederation of African Football postponed the event due to weather concerns in the host nation, rescheduling it from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
What commenced as a competition with merely three teams in 1957 has now evolved into its 34th edition, boasting an impressive 24 participating sides. Countries in the lineup include Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali.
Completing the roster are Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia.
The tournament structure comprises six groups, each with four teams engaging in spirited matches. The knockout stage will feature the victors and runners-up from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams.
The grand finale is scheduled to unfold at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast.
