Updated on January 13, 2024 – Côte d’Ivoire is set to be the host nation for the biggest football tournament in Africa during January and February 2024. The announcement of the six stadiums that will showcase the 52 matches of AFCON 2023 has been made, marking a significant step in the preparations for this monumental event.
Notably, a total of 6 FIFA international standard stadiums in 5 different cities are ready to vibrate to the rhythm of the African Cup of Nations TotalEnergies Côte d’Ivoire 2023. The economic capital, Abidjan, stands out as the primary host with two stadiums, namely the Alassane Ouattara Stadium and the Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.
List of the six AFCON 2023 Stadiums:
1. Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan (60,000 seats):
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium, also known as the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé, will be a central venue for the tournament. Situated in Ebimpé and Anyama, northern Abidjan, it boasts a seating capacity of 60,000, making it the largest stadium in the country and one of Africa’s most modern sports facilities.
The stadium is scheduled to host the opening ceremony on January 13, followed by the inaugural match between Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau. The other group A games including the final on February 11, will be played at the Stadium of Ebimpé.
2. Stade de Paix in Bouaké (40,000 seats):
After extensive rehabilitation in 2023, Stade de Bouaké is now the second-largest stadium in the country. This stadium, with a seating capacity of 40,000, will be the venue for Group D’s matches, starting with the clash between Algeria and Angola on January 15, 2024.
3- Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan (33,000 seats):
This stadium is set to host Africa’s biggest event for the second time, having been one of the two host venues back in 1984. To align with the required CAF Standards, the stadium underwent comprehensive renovations. As part of these upgrades, the seating capacity has doubled to 33,000 in preparation for the AFCON 2023 tournament, accompanied by various enhancements to other facilities within the venue.
Precisely, the Houphouët-Boigny Stadium will witness the Egypt vs. Mozambique game on January 14, followed by Ghana vs Cape Verde later that evening and other Group B matches.
4- Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro (20,000 seats)
Inaugurated on June 3, 2022, the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro will host Group C’s clashes during the 2023 AFCON. On January 15, it will be the venue for the Senegal vs Gambia game, followed by the highly anticipated clash between Cameroon and Guinea.
5- Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro (20,000 seats):
Also known as Stade San Pedro, this stadium will be the battleground for Group F. The first games, Morocco vs Tanzania and DR Congo vs Zambia, are scheduled for January 17. With dimensions of 105 × 68 m, it was built in preparation for AFCON 2023 in the west African country.
6- Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo (20,000 seats):
Located in Korhogo, the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, named after the former Prime Minister, will host Group E’s matches. These include the Tunisia vs Namibia and South Africa vs Mali games on January 16, contributing to the festivities of the 34th edition of AFCON. The stadium, completed in September 2023, has a capacity of 20,000 seats.
As the countdown nears its end, Didier Drogba’s homeland is ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations TotalEnergies 2023. The six FIFA-standard stadiums across various cities signal a milestone in preparation. These state-of-the-art venues will set the stage for unforgettable moments, welcoming teams and fans to a celebration of sport that will leave a lasting mark on African football history. Get ready for the magic of AFCON 2023 as the kickoff approaches.