Ivory Coast celebrates African football in elaborate AFCON opening ceremony

Ivory Coast celebrates African football in elaborate AFCON opening ceremony
A general view of a replica of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy during the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 13, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
Saturday 13 January 2024 - 21:00

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations gets off to a flying start at the Stade Alassane-Ouattara with an opening ceremony that sets the tone. An enthusiastic crowd, stands decked out in African colors and stars from across the continent – all the ingredients were in place to get this 34th edition of the tournament off to a rousing start.

The ceremony was attended not only by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, but also by continental soccer legend Didier Drogba, who provided the voice-over, celebrating African football in all its forms.

To the cheers of thousands of spectators, African music stars Magic System, Yemi Alade and Mohamed Ramadan sang along to the official anthem of the competition, entitled “Akwaba”.

Western artists such as Dadju and Tayc also performed their greatest hits to a wildly enthusiastic audience.

After an eclectic show steeped in Ivorian culture, the stadium will host the first match of the competition between the host country and Guinea Bissau from 9pm.

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