African football enthusiasts have continued counting down to the kick-off of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
The continental showpiece will take place from January 13 to February 12 across five cities in Ivory Coast. The cities are Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, Korhogo, and San Pedro.
There are six venues for the upcoming tournament, which has returned to the West African nation since 1984.
Bola News takes a look at the AFCON 2023 venues:
Alassane Ouattra Stadium, Abidjan
Also known as the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, it has a capacity of 60,012, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country. The stadium is named after the Ivorian president and is set to host all Group A matches, including the opening ceremony, the opening match, and the final of the 2023 AFCON.
The Alassane Ouattara stadium will also host one Group B match between Mozambique and Ghana, including one Round of 16 tie, a quarterfinal match, and a semi-final match.
Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan
The stadium was named after the founder of Ivory Coast and the first head of state. The stadium is one of the two venues that hosted the 1984 Africa Cup in the West African nation.
The 33,000-capacity multipurpose stadium will host all Group B matches, two Round of 16 matches, one quarterfinal match, and the third-place play-off. The stadium has undergone a facelift that includes the installation of a complete roof and an increase in capacity. It was the host venue for the 1984 AFCON final.
Peace Stadium, Bouake
The stadium is located in the second-largest city of Bouake. It will host its second Africa Cup of Nations after being one of the host venues in 1984.
The iconic 40,000-capacity stadium hosted a dramatic semi-final 5-4 penalty shootout win by Cameroon against Algeria in the 1984 AFCON as the Indomitable Lions went on to clinch the title.
It is set to host all Group D matches, including the Gambia versus Cameroon Group C match. It will be used in one round of 16 matches, a quarterfinal clash, and one semi-final.
Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro
The newly built stadium is regarded as one of the city’s monumental structures and is expected to add to the city’s economic hub after the Africa Cup.
The 20,000-capacity stadium was officially opened on June 3, 2022. Ivory Coast edged Zambia 3-1 at the grand opening of the venue during the qualifiers.
It is the match venue for all Group C matches and one Group D match, including a solitary round of 16 and quarterfinal matches.
Amadon Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo
The 20,000-capacity stadium was constructed over a period of close to five years. It is poised to host Group E matches, including the Tanzania versus DR Congo match (Group F). The last match at the newly constructed stadium will be a round-of-16 tie on January 30, 2024.
The stadium was named after Amadon Gon Coulibaly. He was the former Prime Minister of Ivory Coast from 2017 until he died in 2020.
Laurent Pokou, San Pedro
The 20,000-seat stadium pays homage to the legendary Ivorian striker, Laurent Pokou (1947–2016). The stadium, which was inaugurated with an Africa Cup qualifier between Ivory Coast and Lesotho, will host all Group F matches, including two Round of 16 matches.
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The opening match at the venue will be between Morocco and Tanzania.
