What is the AFCON?
The African Cup of Nations is a big soccer competition in Africa. It’s organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and all 54 countries linked to CAF can join. But only 24 teams make it to the tournament after a qualifying round.
AFCON started in 1957, and it happens every two years. Egypt won it first, and they have the most titles – 7. The latest one was in 2021 in Cameroon
Postponed to 2024, the African Cup of Nations now has dates for the kickoff and the final. With Cote d’Ivoire as the host country, the tournament will start on January 13, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, and the final will be on February 11, 2024.
Sportivationng.com reports that during the last international date on the calendar, Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, and South Africa secured their spots in Cote d’Ivoire. Nigeria’s Super Eagles won 1-0 against Guinea Bissau in Group A, moving closer to qualification after a surprising 1-0 loss to the same opponents on March 24. AFCON is competitive, but Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, and others are strong contenders. Egypt has the most trophies, Senegal wants to defend their title, and Algeria and Morocco have skilled players. Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso are also worth watching.
The official CAF website confirms the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 dates.
The opening match is on January 13, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan. Twenty-four nations will participate in the tournament over four weeks to determine if Senegal will be replaced as champions or if the Teranga Lions can defend their title. Senegal won the championship for the first time in 2021.
The CAF website states, “The upcoming tournament marks the 34th edition and makes a return to Cote d’Ivoire for the second time. The first occasion was in 1984 when Cameroon clinched their first victory in the competition.” Veron Mosengo-Omba, CAF General Secretary, confirmed that the official selection process for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire is set to take place with the Final Draw. It occurred in September 2023.
The Super Eagles will secure their place by beating Sierra Leone in June as they aim for a fourth title. CAF also mentioned, “With the growing global interest in CAF competitions in recent months, CAF expects record global TV audiences and stadium attendances for next year’s edition of its flagship competition, which currently holds the record for being Africa’s biggest event.”
Channels to air the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire in 2024
You can catch the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire on platforms 2024. Initially scheduled for 2023, the tournament will be broadcast throughout Africa and globally. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) aims to make the matches available for free on TV across the continent. Viewers can also watch the competition on Supersport and NTA.
The event will be broadcast by different networks, including beIN Sport, covering the Middle East, North Africa, France, and the United States; CANAL+, which will air the event in French in Sub-Saharan Africa; GTV in Ghana; AfroSport in Nigeria; Supersports in South Africa; ZIGGO Sport in the Netherlands. CAF’s own media channels will also show games in some countries.
Conclusion
The African Cup of Nations 2024, hosted by Cote d’Ivoire, promises an exciting tournament starting on January 13, 2024, and concluding with the final on February 11, 2024. With 24 nations competing, the stage is set for either Senegal to defend their title or a new champion to emerge.
Recent qualifiers showcased Nigeria’s Super Eagles bouncing back from a surprise loss. As the event returns to Cote d’Ivoire for the second time, anticipation is high, and CAF expects record global interest with widespread coverage through various broadcasting channels.
The diverse platforms, including beIN Sport, CANAL+, GTV, AfroSport, Supersports, ZIGGO Sport, and CAF’s media channels, ensure fans worldwide can enjoy the action.