For three million Ivorians, afcon 2024 was a steamy, muggy night, and the dark sky above Abidjan watched over its children, ready for a decisive clash. In “their” Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final match, on Sunday, February 11, Cote d’Ivoire beat Nigeria 2-1 at a sweltering Alassane-Ouattara Stadium in afcon 2024. The continent for the third time in their history. And it was as surprising as it was unthinkable that they would win their third game at home.
Champions of Afcon 2024 Ivory Coast’s Performance Throughout The Tournament
Ivory Coast’s journey to Afcon glory in afcon 2024 is far from clear. Fans and analysts were skeptical about the team’s chances at the start of the domestic opposition due to their underwhelming results. After dropping their first game against Nigeria, they were beaten 2–0 by Guinea-Bissau. They were almost eliminated after their overall performance against Equatorial Guinea resulted in a sudden 4-nil defeat.
The Ivorian Football Federation has acted decisively, removing head coach Jean-Louis Gasset and naming assistant Emre Fac as interim caretaker to avoid an embarrassing early exit. The group appeared energized by this sudden exchange. Ivory Coast has verified strategic areas and new assertiveness down Faye’s path.
It was great to see how Ivory Coast changed the course of the knockout stage. They lost to Algeria on penalties after a goalless draw. They then put in a great display against Egypt, winning 2-1 to go all the way and face none other than day one winners Nigeria.
There was a threat of redemption in the final. Although Ivory Coast gave up their initial intentions in opposition to Nigeria, they retaliated with determination. The Ivorian crowd went wild after Haller’s steady winner and Casey’s equaliser. Their incredible comeback was officially announced as African champions for the second time on their record at the very last whistle.
Afcon 2024 Best Players Those Who Are The key Factors
As the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, the focus is on the top players poised to make an impact. Senegal captain Sadio Mane remains fit despite leaving for Saudi Arabia. Mane is a watcher of his leadership and intelligence as he leads his team to defend their crown.
Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar lends his scoring ability and mental toughness to the Indomitable Lions. He will be a key part of Cameroon’s quest for a sixth AFCON title. Guerassi returned to Germany to help attack Guinea in their winning bid.
Sebastian Haller wants to do well for Cote d’Ivoire in front of his home fans. The Algerian midfield is led by exceptional midfielder Mohamed Amoura, who works alongside experienced veterans. Nigeria’s African Player of the Year, Victor Osimene, leads their strong attacking side.
Morocco’s star player Azzedine Onahi is hoping to win the World Cup again at AFCON. Egyptian star Mohamed Salah continues to lead his country’s offense with his prolific scoring. Mamelodi Sundowns rising star Peter Shalulil looks to make a significant competitive impact for Namibia.
With their skills and determination, these players are set to shine at AFCON among others and represent the best of African football on the continent.
Afcon 2024 Tournament Budgets And Match Venues
The much-awaited AFCON from January 13 to February 11, 2024 promises an exciting month of football action. The contest will be covered live on beIN Sports USA for US viewers. Six stadiums in Ivory Coast—Abidjan, Bokeh, Korhogo, San-Pedro and Yamoussoukro—will host the matches.
Teams will play in six groups at AFCON 2024, with the top two teams and the top four third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 16. These groups are:
- Group A: Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Ivory Coast
- Group B: Mozambique, Cape Verde, Ghana and Egypt
- Group C: Guinea, Gambia, Senegal and Cameroon
- Group D: Mauritania, Angola, Burkina Faso and Algeria
- Group E: Namibia, South Africa, Mali and Tunisia
- Group F: Tanzania, Zambia, DR Congo and Morocco
Six stadiums, each with a different capacity, will host the competition:
- Ouattara Stadium in Alassane, Abidjan has 60,000 seats.
- Felix Houphouet-Bogni Stadium in Abidjan (33,000)
- Yamoussoukro’s Charles Conan Banny Stadium holds 20,000 people.
- Bauke, Stade de la Paix (40,000)
- Amadou Boke’s Stade Caudouque (40,000)
- San Pedro Stadium (20,000 seats)
AFCON 2024 will be an exciting tournament, showcasing Africa’s best football players from across the continent.