AFCON 2023: African Football Tournament Overview

Study Notes

AFCON 2023: A Celebration of African Football

Overview

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) marked another chapter in the prestigious competition's history. Hosted by the Ivory Coast, 24 African countries participated in the event, with many looking to secure their place as the champions of the continent. The tournament provided a platform for numerous exciting moments and surprises, ultimately culminating in a thrilling final match.

Alassane Ouattara Stadium

Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan hosted several crucial matches during AFCON 2023.

Qualification and Participants

A total of 24 nations qualified for AFCON 2023, representing various levels of skill and experience within the regional football landscape. The participating teams included Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Schedule and Venue

AFCON 2023 commenced on January 13, 2024, and concluded on February 11, 2024. The tournament took place across six stadiums in five cities, including Abidjan (Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium and Alassane Ouattara Stadium), Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.

Key Moments and Upsets

The tournament was marked by several notable moments and upsets. For example, the hosts, Ivory Coast, won the final against Nigeria with a 2-1 score, despite coming third in their group. Additionally, Nigeria's goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved four penalties in a shootout against Cape Verde, and Victor Osimhen thought he had put Nigeria 2-0 up in the semi-final, only for South Africa to be awarded a penalty by the VAR and equalize.

Economic Impact and Future Plans

AFCON 2023 had a significant impact on the Ivory Coast economy, with increased revenue from tourism, media rights, digital fan engagement, and commercial successes. Future plans for the Africa Cup of Nations include the upcoming edition, scheduled for 2025, which is set to be hosted by Guinea.

Description

Explore the highlights of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, including participant nations, key moments, and the economic impact on the host country. Get insights into the schedule, venues, and future plans for this celebration of African football.