Football-Mad Ivorians Gear Up To Host Africa Cup Of Nations

In the buildup to the Africa Cup of Nations kick-off on Saturday, Ivory Coast is buzzing with anticipation as it hosts the tournament for the first time in 40 years.

The nation is eager to showcase its progress, with 24 teams participating compared to eight in 1984. In Abidjan’s Cocody market, traders from Mali, Senegal, and Ivory Coast express fervent beliefs in their teams’ chances of victory.

Despite potential traffic disruptions, excitement is palpable in the Ivorian economic capital. The government has invested $1.5 billion in infrastructure, including six stadiums, roads, bridges, and accommodations.

President Alassane Ouattara aims for the AFCON to be a celebration of Ivorian hospitality and African brotherliness. Newly appointed Prime Minister and Sports Minister Robert Beugre Mambe assures the country is ready on all fronts.

The tournament is expected to attract up to 1.5 million visitors, with neighboring countries Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Ghana well-represented. Market stallholders report brisk sales of Ivorian team replicas, emphasizing the economic impact of the football fever.

Source: AFP