Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Saturday, January 13, for a one-month competition in Ivory Coast.
The country spent close to KSh 159.3 billion for the preparation, part of which they borrowed from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Ivory is looking forward to bouncing in terms of a good impression of the country after they went through ails following civil wars, 2002_2007 and 2010_ 2011 respectively, with the causalities placed at an estimated figure of around 300.
“We know that Ivory Coast went through a difficult period, which was not easy economically. But this Nations Cup has allowed Ivory Coast to quip itself with sporting and non-sporting infrastructure worthy of a developing country. Organizing the competition has allowed us to improve transport links,” said Francois Amichia, AFCON 2024/23 organising committee chair.
How Ivory Cost spent the AFCON 2023 budget
According to BBC Sports, Cote D’Ivoire heavily invested in roads, hospitals, airports and hotels, through refurbishment and construction of new ones ahead of the tournament.
At the same time, four new stadia were brought up whereas the other two went through modernization with 24 training centres also going through the same process.
“When Ivory Coast decided to organize this Nations Cup, it was not to make money but to reposition itself, It was an opportunity to provide sports infrastructure – and I must remind you that no sports infrastructure had been built for years, with the Nations Cup allowing us to have four new and two refurbished stadiums in one go,” Amichia added.
Idriss Diallo, Ivorian Football Federation President, said earlier that, the country of Cote D’Ivoire is aiming at becoming the pivot of West Africa where international matches can be hosted and offer a great opportunity to Nations.
How many games will feature at AFCON 2023/24
54 AFCON games will be played in Ivory Coast starting Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Some of the matches this weekend include;
13th January
I.Ivory Coast Vs Guinea-Bissau at 3pm EAT.
14th January
Nigeria Vs Equatorial Guinea at 9am EAT.
Egypt Vs Mozambique at 12pm EAT.
Ghana Vs Cape Verde at 3pm EAT.
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