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AFCON 2023: Cote d’Ivoire welcomes the world

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AFCON 2023: Cote d’Ivoire welcomes the world

Six world-class stadiums ready for kick-off

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

 

With less than 48 hours to kick off, CAFOnline looks at all the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 host venues.

 

A total of six world-class stadiums spread across five host cities will play host to the 34th edition of Africa’s biggest football tournament between 13 January and 11 February.

 

Alassane Ouattara Stadium

 

 

CITY                                                                 Ebimpe

STADIUM CONSTRUCTION                            2016 – 2020

CAPACITY                                                        60 000

 

Located in one of the country’s economic hubs in Abidjan, the Alassane Ouattara Stadium will host the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies.

 

The 60,000-seater capacity arena headlines one of many infrastructure legacies of the tournament for the host nation and will bring several economic opportunities after the final whistle.

 

The erecting of the world-class venue began in 2016 with the breaking of ground for the multi-purpose venue.

 

It was officially inaugurated on 3 October 2020 in a ceremony attended by senior government ministers and officials before an exhibition match between two of the nation’s biggest clubs, Asec Mimosas and Africa Sports Abidjan.

 

In addition to its large hosting capacity, the stadium is a multi-purpose venue that boasts several world-class amenities such as an athletics track, conference facilities, gyms, auditorium and VIP facilities.

 

Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium

  

CITY                            Abidjan

BUILT                          1952

RENOVATION             2021 – 2023

CAPACITY                   29 000

 

 

Named after the nation’s first Head of State, President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, this is one of the country’s heritage venues and will play host to Africa’s biggest event for the second time, having been one of the two host venues back in 1984.

 

In line with meeting the required CAF Standards, the stadium underwent complete renovations to its structural setup, seating, pitch, dressing rooms and hospitality suites.

 

The seating capacity doubled to 29,000 for the tournament, along with other facility upgrades to the venue.

 

In addition to football, the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium boasts an athletics track and has hosted several principal sporting codes and events in Abidjan.

 

Stade de la Paix

 

CITY                             Bouake

BUILT                          1983

RENOVATIONS           2019 – 2023

CAPACITY                   40 000

 

 

One of Côte d’Ivoire’s most iconic football stadiums, Stade de la Paix, which is located in the nation’s second-largest city of Bouake, will be hosting its second TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after being one of the host venues back in 1984.

 

One of the venue’s most memorable events includes Cameroon’s dramatic semi-final 5-4 penalty win against Algeria in the 1984 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, where the Indomitable Lions claimed the title.

 

The stadium has since received a major facelift from its original 15,000 to the now 40,000 capacity seating, among other upgrades, ahead of the tournament.

 

Additional upgrades include a fully equipped media centre, auditorium, and conference facilities as well as an upgraded spectator parking facility to accommodate the thousands of expected fans.

 

Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium

 

CITY                            Korhogo

BUILT                          2019 – 2023

CAPACITY                  20 000

 

 

Located in the northern part of Cote d’Ivoire’s city of Korhogo, Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly is one of the legacies that will come with hosting an international event of the magnitude of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The newly built stadium covers a vast 20.17 hectares of land to add to the city’s aesthetic beauty.

 

The hosting capacity will be 20,000, with a quality natural grass field, an athletics track, a media centre, a broadcast compound, and other stadium facilities required for hosting international events.

 

Stade Charles Konan Banny

 

CITY                            Yamoussoukro

BUILT                          2019 – 2021

CAPACITY                  20 000

 

 

Located in the nation’s capital of Yamoussoukro, which is constantly abuzz with economic activity, the newly built Stade Charles Konan Banny forms part of the city’s monumental architecture and will add to the city’s economic hub of activity the tournament.

 

After two years of construction, the stadium hosted its first football match on 3 June, which served as a qualifier for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023 finals as the hosts edged Zambia 3-1 at the grand opening.

 

The stadium has a seating capacity 20,000, an athletics track, media facilities, hospitality suites and conference centres.

 

Stade Laurent Pokou 

 

CITY                San Pedro

BUILT              2019 – 2023

CAPACITY       20 000

 

 

An architectural beauty located in the culturally rich region of Poro, Stade Laurent Pokou also forms part of the infrastructure legacy of hosting the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

 

With construction beginning in 2018, the 20,000-seater is poised to be a jewel for San Pedro.

 

Covering 23.33 hectares of land, the stadium’s elegant design is complemented by its world-class facilities, including a state-of-the-art natural grass pitch, conference centres, media centre and other facilities that will drive economic activity after the final whistle.

 

CAF Boss to visit Ivorian Head of State

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CAF Boss to visit Ivorian Head of State

Meets His Excellency Alassane Ouattara on Thursday

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

 

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Dr. Patrice Motsepe will visit the President of Cote d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mr Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire today, 11 January 2024 ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The CAF President, Dr. Motsepe, is in Abidjan as the CAF and the Local Organizing Committee prepare for the opening and the rest of the matches this weekend.

 

CAF will syndicate photographs of the meeting. The Photographs are free for editorial use only.

 

 

‘Côte d’Ivoire will be the best in history’

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‘Côte d’Ivoire will be the best in history’

Says Senegal captain as champions arrive

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

 

Reigning champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal arrived in Cote d’Ivoire to defend their title, insisting that the 2023 edition of the tournament will be the best in history.

 

The Lions of Teranga touched down in Yamoussoukro, their base for their Group C matches, admitting that they will face a more formidable challenge to retain their title because of the presence of the top teams.

 

Senegal is drawn into one of the most challenging groups of the competition, consisting of five-time winners, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Guinea, who will all seriously threaten the champions.

 

The Teranga Lions are undoubtedly one of the strong title contenders as the reigning champions who have made it to two consecutive TotalEnergies CAF AFCON finals (2019, 2021).

 

Speaking to CAFOnline.com from the team’s base camp, Kalidou Koulibaly said this would be one of the best TotalEnergies CAF AFCON tournaments as all strong African nations had qualified to be in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

“I think that the Côte d’Ivoire edition will be the best in the competition’s history because all the big teams are present and fully prepared. It will show the true image of African football, and I think whoever wins the title will deserve it.”

 

The Senegal skipper urged his nation to keep the team in their prayers as they prepare to defend the title against the best African teams on the continent over the next few weeks.

 

“I ask the Senegalese fans to be behind us during the competition and to pray for us in their prayers. Their support will take us far in the competition, and we will represent them well and give them a big gift in the end.”

 

Senegal kick off their title defense on 15 January against Gambia before facing the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a battle of the lions three days later on the 18th before concluding their group campaign against Guinea on 23 January.

 

AFCON 2023: Fennec Foxes make touchdown

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AFCON 2023: Fennec Foxes make touchdown

Algeria land in Bouaké, Belmadi, eager to start

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

 

Algeria touched down in Bouake on Wednesday with coach Djamel Belmadi eager for his team to start their participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. 

 

Riyad Mahrez led a contingent of players and technical staff that arrived at the Aeroport De Bouaké at 12:15 pm local time, with the Saudi Arabia-based captain revealing that the Desert Foxes had good preparations for the competition.

 

The squad was met on arrival by an artistic display of local culture – music, drumming, and dancing by an ensemble, and several Algerians in Bouake were also on hand to welcome their national heroes.

 

The two-time winners looked elegant in their apparel as they were led by former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, who will be a key figure for the former champions.

 

Speaking to CAFOnline.com upon their arrival, coach Belmadi said the team was raring to go, and they could not wait to get their campaign started.

 

“We are happy to be here, and we are in a hurry to start the tournament. We had good preparation, something that we didn’t get in the last AFCON, and of course, our target is to win this competition like many teams. We know it will be tough,” he said.

 

Captain Mahrez, who now plies his trade for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, says they had good preparation and will take the tournament game after game.

 

“We had a good preparation, and we are ready. We can’t wait to start showing how prepared we are to compete. The objective is winning the first game, and then we will see,” he said.

 

The Desert Foxes are drawn in Group D with Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.

 

Algeria started their campaign against Angola at the 40 000-capacity Stade de la Paix on Monday, 15 January, before taking on Burkina Faso five days later. They conclude their group campaign against Mauritania on 23 January.

 

The team shall get to test the facilities and rest their limbs before kicking off their 34th TotalEnergies CAF AFCON on Monday at 8 pm local time against Angola at the 40,000-capacity Stade de la Paix (Stadium of Peace) Bouaké.

 

Djamel Belmadi’s men will take on Burkina Faso and Mauritania on January 20 and 23, respectively.

 

AFCON 2023: What you should know

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AFCON 2023: What you should know

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations informative facts

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023 presented by Ed Emeanua

 

Just hours before the battle lines are officially drawn in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, CAFOnline.com looks at some exciting records and statistics of the tournament.

 

  • The first AFCON tournament took place in Sudan in 1957.

 

  • Only three countries, hosts Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia, took part in the first tournament in February 1957, and there was no qualifying competition.

 

  • South Africa was also invited to the first Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 1957, but their invitation was later withdrawn as a result of the country’s apartheid laws.

 

  • Egypt defeated host Sudan in the first game played at the AFCON, winning 2-1 on 10 January 1957.

 

  • Raafat Attia scored the first goal at an AFCON tournament when he opened the scoring for Egypt in their 2-1 semi-final win over host Sudan in 1957.

 

  • Egypt defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in the final to win the first AFCON Tournament 1957.

 

  • Egypt won the first two AFCON Tournaments in 1957 and 1959 while runners-up in 1962, losing to hosts Ethiopia in the final.

 

  • Cote d’ Ivoire are hosting the Africa Cup of Nations for a second time, they hosted the tournament for the first time in 1984.

 

  • When the Cote d’Ivoire hosted the AFCON in 1984, eight nations participated. Five of those countries will join the hosts again: Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria. Missing out are Malawi and Togo.

 

  • Egypt has won the most AFCON Titles (seven), followed by Cameroon (five), Ghana (four), Nigeria (three) and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Ivory Coast (two each).

 

  • Egypt and Ghana have reached 9 AFCON Finals, while Egypt has won seven, Ghana has four wins, and Cameroon has played in seven finals, winning five.

 

  • Cote d’Ivoire appeared in four AFCON Finals in 1992, 2006, 2012, and 2015 and, in 480 minutes of play in the AFCON finals, have failed to produce a single goal. They won on penalties after extra time in 1992 and 2015 and lost on penalties after extra time in 2006 and 2012, with all four games ending 0-0.

 

  • Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o is the overall Cup of Nations scorer, notching 18 goals in six tournaments between 2000 and 2010.

 

  • Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary became the oldest player at 44 years and 21 days to feature in the tournament when he faced Cameroon in the 2017 final in Libreville as Egypt lost.

 

  • Only once in 2013, when South Africa played out a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, did the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations end 0-0.

 

  • The last host nation to reach the AFCON Finals was Egypt, who won the title on home soil in 2006.

 

  • Egypt have reached the AFCON Final in five of the last six tournaments they participated in, winning in 2006, 2008, and 2010, while they were runners-up in 2017 and the 2021 edition. They only failed to do so in 2019 as hosts.

 

  • Four players, Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, Ghanaian duo Asamoah Gyan as well as Andre Ayew, and Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya, have scored in 6 AFCON Tournaments. No players have scored in more editions of the competition than them.

 

  • The 2023 AFCON will be the 34th edition of the tournament since its founding in 1957.

 

  • The AFCON has been expanded from a 16-tournament tournament, which it has been since 1996, to a 24-team event in 2019.

 

  • This is the third edition to have 24 teams participating.

 

  • 16 Players have scored 17 hat-tricks at the Africa Cup of Nations, but none since Soufiane Alloudi scored three goals in Morocco’s 5-1 triumph over Namibia in the 2008 Group Stages.

 

  • Egypt has had five players scoring six AFCON hat-tricks. No country has managed as many players to have scored a hat trick at the tournament.

 

  • The first hat-trick at the Africa Cup of Nations was scored by Ad-Diba, who scored all four of Egypt’s goals in their 4-0 triumph in the 1957 final victory over Ethiopia.

 

  • Egypt’s Hassan El-Shazly is the only player to have scored multiple hattricks at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1963 and 1970.

 

  • Egypt is the only team with two players scoring a hat trick in the same game. Hassan El-Shazly and Mohammed Morsi Hussein netted all their goals in a 6-3 win over Nigeria in a 1963 group-stage encounter.

 

  • Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song hold the record for the most AFCON participations, with each player featured in 8 finals tournaments in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. A record which Ghana’s Andre Ayew could tie at the next edition.

 

  • South Africa finished 1st (1996), 2nd (1998), and 3rd (2000) in the first three AFCON tournaments that they participated in.

 

  • Ghana’s Charles Gyamfi (1963–1965, 1982) and Egypt’s Hassan Shehata (Egypt 2006–2008-2010) are the only coaches to have won the title three times. Shehata is the only coach to have won the title in three successive tournaments.

 

  • Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary (1959 as player, 1998 as coach) and Stephen Keshi of Nigeria (1994 as player, 2013 as coach) have won the AFCON as a player and coach.

 

  • French man Herve Renard is the only coach to have won the AFCON with two countries: Zambia in 2012 and Cote d’Ivoire in 2015.

 

  • Senegal coach Aliou Cisse holds the unwanted record of losing in the final as both a player (2002) and coach (2019). He has now won the tournament as a coach, lifting the title with Senegal at the 2021 edition.

 

  • France has had five different coaches win six AFCON tournaments, the most of any country.

 

  • In 2004 Frenchman Roger Lemmere became the first coach to win the AFCON and the UEFA European Championship when he lead Tunisia to the title, in 2000 he lead France to the European Championships.

 

  • 44 Different African Nations have participated at the AFCON Comoros and Gambia were debutants at the last edition in Cameroon, there are now new comers in the Cote d’ Ivoire.

 

  • Egypt (1957), Ghana (1963), and South Africa (1996) are the only teams to have won the tournament in their debut appearance.

 

  • Starting in 2008, Ghana reached the AFCON Semi-finals in six of the last eight tournaments and was beaten finalists twice in that time, losing to Egypt in 2010 and Cote d’Ivoire in 2017.

 

  • Tunisia qualified for their 16th successive AFCON tournament, which started in 1994. No team has ever managed 16 successive qualifications.

 

  • Egypt has played more games at the AFCON than any other team (107), they have won more matches than any other team (60), Ghana has played 102 games and won 54. Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria will join the centenary club. They have currently played 99 and 97 games, respectively, at the finals.

 

  • Ndiaye Mulamba scored 9 goals for DR Congo at the 1974 AFCON. No player has managed more in a single tournament.

 

  • The AFCON trophy has changed three times in history. The first trophy was the Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem Trophy. The next trophy was the African Unity trophy, a new one commissioned in 2001 after Cameroon won the previous trophy for a third time in 2000.

 

  • Twelve former African Champions will attend Cote d’Ivoire for the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

  • The top 15 ranked African teams have all qualified for the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

  • Five Southern African teams have qualified for the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the most the COSAFA region has had at a single finals.

 

  • Each winner of the last 25 editions of the tournament from 1974 has qualified for the current edition of the finals, the last winner to miss out are the 1972 champions Congo.

 

  • Every finalists from the 1984 edition has reached the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the last team to reach the final who have not qualified are 1982 runners up Libya.

 

Like Rose, Bonds, and Armstrong…

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Like Rose, Bonds, and Armstrong…

Aaron Rodgers trashes his legacy

Pete Rose

 

As Nancy Armour wrote for  USA TODAY, as shocking as it is to see one of the greatest players of his generation, one of the greatest quarterbacks the game has ever seen, become the subject of late-night punchlines, it’s even sad.

 

The epitaph of Aaron Rodgers’s career will no longer be limited to his one Super Bowl title, four NFL MVP awards, and countless excellent stats. It will also have to include his descent into conspiracy theories and misinformation and a baseless attack on Jimmy Kimmel he tried — badly — to excuse as a misunderstanding.

It wasn’t the “woke establishment” that did this. “The mainstream media” isn’t to blame. This is all Rodgers’ own doing, with help from some of his “friends” on The Pat McAfee Show, and he won’t be able to outrun it no matter how many more seasons he plays.

You must know all the top sports news, from NFL plays to college sports scores daily.

“This is their game plan,” he continued. “They use these words to cancel people, and they went and ran with this because it’s the crazy, anti-vaxxer whacko again talking about accusing somebody of being a pedophile? Of course. This is the game plan they use. Incorrect, but that’s the environment that we’re in.”

No, this is the environment Rodgers created.

Like all of us, tar athletes are the sum of all their parts, good and bad. But society is usually willing to give our heroes a pass on their flaws and mistakes — until those shortcomings overshadow what makes them great.

Pete Rose can never separate himself from his gambling on baseball. Barry Bonds’ records are forever tainted by the question of how much performance-enhancing drugs contributed to them. Lance Armstrong was undone by both his cheating and his scorched earth campaign to keep it hidden.

Rodgers joins their ranks, someone whose failings are as noteworthy as his triumphs.

He’s become the kooky, cringey relative at family holidays, demanding to be taken seriously as a deep thinker “challenging the establishment” when what he’s parroting is nonsensical and easily debunked. It’s a far cry from when Rodgers acted as a conscience for the league, offering thoughtful and measured responses to thorny issues beyond football.

Dec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the field after the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY SportsDec 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the field after the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports© Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Had Rodgers not gotten vaccinated or even been caught lying about it, it would have been a blip on his glittering résumé. A footnote at the bottom of stories about him: but he has made his fight for truth the central theme of his narrative, and you can no longer separate Rodgers, the star quarterback, from Rodgers, the quack. Especially when his misinformation, snide remarks about those he disagrees with, or those who call him on his BS go from unfunny to dangerous.

“When you hear” a guy who won a Super Bowl and did all the State Farm commercials say something like this, many people believe it,” Kimmel said “Monday night in a devastating response to Rodgers. “A lot of del “signal people honestly think I am meeting up with Tom Hanks and Oprah at Shakey’s once eat pizza and drink children’s blood.

“And I know t “is because I hear from these people often; my wife hears from them. My kids hear from them. My poor mailman hears from these people. And now we’re hearing we’re many more, thanks to Aaron Rodgers.”

Rodgers tried to “say Tuesday that he wasn’t suggesting Kiwasn’t name would Kimmel’s of people associated with Epstein, who trafficked young women to the rich and famous. But his explanation — that he only wants corruption and corrupt people exposed — was as bogus as his repeated claim that India and Japan successfully used ivermectin to treat COVID. Anyone who heard Rodgers last week and saw the smug look on his face knew he thought he was delivering a savage takedown of Kimmel.

But the only person Rodgers is taking down is himself.

Rodgers is intelligent, and his curiosity about the world outside of football used to be one of his most admirable qualities. But he somehow got lost in a vortex of misinformation and mistruths and can no longer see everyone else’s actions.

Rodgers is a terrific quarterback and an utter fool, and it’s impossible to separate one from the other.

Wanyonyi pioneering a dazzling route

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Wanyonyi pioneering a dazzling route

To Paris 2024 Olympics Games

Feature 10 Jan 2024

Emmanuel Wanyonyi (© Mattia Ozbot)

When Emmanuel Wanyonyi used to run near his home village in the Saboti region of Kenya as a schoolboy, people mocked him; Mike Rowbottom writes for the World Athletics.

 

Yet at 19, he has a world U20 title and a senior World Championships silver medal at 800m, and he finished his season by winning the Diamond League title with a world-leading PB of 1:42.80.

 

His sights are now set on this year’s Olympics.

 

Nobody is laughing at him now.

 

Speaking in Monaco, where he received the men’s Rising Star award for 2023, Wanyonyi explained that, historically, people in his Luhya tribe “have not been people who can run”, adding:

 

“More people who can run the 800m are Kalenjin. But I am Luhya. It is not our culture. I am the first one in my tribe to run the 800m. My family is six boys and six girls. I am the fifth of 12 children. I am the only one in my family who can run.”

 

With a dazzling smile, he concluded: “I have a talent to run. I like my job!”

 

Emmanuel Wanyonyi on his way to a championship record in the 800m in Nairobi (© Dan Vernon)

 

Mockery was only one of the factors working against the extraordinarily disciplined Wanyonyi as he sought to make the most of his natural gift.

 

He was obliged to leave school at 10 to become a herdsman tending the family’s cattle. Times were hard. Even more so when his father died in 2018, and his mother had to move away with several of his younger siblings.

 

But by then, he had gained a vital piece of knowledge.

 

“I knew from way back that the only thing that could save my family from this difficult life was running,” he told Olympics.org. “That’s why I just focused all my energy on training.

 

“After Covid, I went back to school to try to catch up,” he told World Athletics. “I would wake up at five in the morning to train. Then, I would go to breakfast and my class. After class, you go to training. Then shower. Then eat. Then sleep.”

 

Then repeat…

 

His talent as a runner was recognized, and he soon began training under the direction of Janeth Jepkosgei, the 2007 world 800m champion and 2008 Olympic silver medallist who was by then working as a youth coach.

 

Soon, he was linked up with her former coach, the Kenyan-based Italian Claudio Berardelli, who runs the 2 Running Club at Kapsabet.

 

Wanyonyi came to broader notice by winning the world U20 title in Nairobi in 2021 at 17, with a championship record of 1:43.76. The Olympic title was won later that summer by his compatriot Emmanuel Korir in 1:45:06.

 

Rather than defending his world U20 title in Cali, Wanyonyi decided to raise his sights.

 

“After that, I decided to go to senior level as maybe I could earn something good,” he said.

 

In 2022, he missed a medal at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon by just one place.

 

This year, he has built methodically upon that experience. His Wanda Diamond League season saw him win in Rabat and then Paris – setting a world-leading PB of 1:43.27 at the latter meeting.

 

Emmanuel Wanyonyi wins the 800m at the Kip Keino Classic in NairobiEmmanuel Wanyonyi wins the 800m at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi (© Sila Kiplagat)

 

At the World Championships in Budapest, he came up again against the Canadian Marco Arop, who had earned bronze in Oregon the year before.

 

Before the final, Kenya’s double Olympic champion and world record-holder David Rudisha, who was present in the Hungarian capital as an event ambassador, advised Wanyonyi on tactics.

 

Rudisha, who set his world record of 1:40.91 in winning the 2012 Olympic title by running from the front, told his young compatriot on no account to do the same thing. Wanyonyi’s coach concurred.

 

“David told me, ‘Don’t run in front’,” Wanyonyi recalled. “And my coach told me, ‘Don’t run in front’.”

 

But once the gun went, Arop – usually a front runner – was playing a different game, waiting this time at the back of the field before making his move.

 

“At the start, I was in the front,” Wanyonyi said. “And I felt confused for the first 200 meters. I didn’t see Arop in front.”

 

However, the Canadian got there when it mattered, claiming gold in 1:44.24. Wanyonyi, despite his initial puzzlement, was not far behind, taking silver in 1:44.53.

 

At the World Championships in Budapest, he came up again against the Canadian Marco Arop, who had earned bronze in Oregon the year before.

 

Before the final, Kenya’s double Olympic champion and world record-holder David Rudisha, who was present in the Hungarian capital as an event ambassador, advised Wanyonyi on tactics.

 

Rudisha, who set his world record of 1:40.91 in winning the 2012 Olympic title by running from the front, told his young compatriot on no account to do the same thing. Wanyonyi’s coach concurred.

 

“David told me, ‘Don’t run in front’,” Wanyonyi recalled. “And my coach told me ‘don’t run in front’.”

 

But once the gun went, Arop – usually a front runner – was playing a different game, waiting this time at the back of the field before making his move.

 

“At the start, I was in the front,” Wanyonyi said. “And I felt confused for the first 200 meters. I didn’t see Arop in front.”

 

However, the Canadian got there when it mattered, claiming gold in 1:44.24. Wanyonyi, despite his initial puzzlement, was not far behind, taking silver in 1:44.53.

 

Emmanuel WanyonyiEmmanuel Wanyonyi (© Getty Images)

 

It was a massive achievement for a 19-year-old. Soon enough, Wanyonyi was working on how to beat the world champion.

 

At the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Xiamen on 2 September – running from the front with full permission this time from his coach – he did so, clocking another world lead of 1:43.20, with Arop second in a personal best of 1:43.24.

 

At the Wanda Diamond League final in Eugene later in September, the two rivals excelled themselves – and the result was the same, with Wanyonyi winning in a world-leading PB of 1:42.80 and Arop setting a Canadian record of 1:42.85 in second place.

 

“I like to run,” Wanyonyi said. “I like to compete. I like running against Arop. He is my friend and makes me train hard for our competitions. That’s why I need to keep my discipline for next year, for the Olympics.

 

“My target next year is to run 1:41. Some people say, ‘Wanyonyi, you can run the world record next year’. But I say no. The world record may come in a few more years, but I am still young.”

 

Meanwhile, Wanyonyi has carried out his long-term plan to make running work for his family.

 

His successes so far have enabled him to locate his mother and younger family members, build a house for them on their plot of land, and send his siblings to school.

 

His fame has also inspired other young talents from his village to take up the sport – without a hint of mockery.

 

“Many boys in my tribe now run,” he said. “My plan in the future is to open a junior camp. Then I will find someone who can run and train young men and women.”

 

CAF reaches broad global TV-Broadcast deal

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CAF reaches broad global TV-Broadcast deal

Ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023 Presented by Ed Emeanua

 

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) today announced the conclusion of extensive global broadcast agreements with TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, North America, and the Caribbean ahead of the kick-off of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The tournament will kick off in Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, 13 January 2024.

 

The global TV-Broadcast partners include Sky (United Kingdom), BBC (United Kingdom), LaLiga+ (Spain), SportItalia (Italy), Sport Digital (Germany & Switzerland), SportTV (Portugal), Viaplay (Nordics) and Band TV (Brazil).

 

beIN Sport, CANAL+, New World TV, and approximately 45 Free To Air broadcasters have also concluded partnership agreements with CAF, resulting in the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 being broadcast in about 180 countries.

 

CAF received approximately 6000 Media applications for accreditation to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, an increase of more than 100% from the previous AFCON, which took place in Cameroon in 2022.

 

The significant increase in financial investment by TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders from Africa, Europe, Asia, South America, North America, and the Caribbean will result in a substantial global increase in viewership of the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

CAF’s Broadcasting revenues will also increase significantly, assisting with the development and growth of football in Africa.

 

The TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 is expected to be the most competitive as all the prominent and successful African Football Nations will compete in Côte d’Ivoire for the prestigious AFCON Cup.

 

Football from the African Continent made history at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 when Morocco qualified for the semi-finals. African National Teams are expected to continue achieving greater heights at future World Cup Competitions.

 

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said: “African Football and the TotalEnergies AFCON Competition is recognized as being amongst the most competitive and exciting in world football. We are delighted by the extensive global broadcast agreements concluded by CAF with the TV-Broadcasting Rights Holders.

 

“Huge investments are being made in youth football, including schools football, professional leagues, training of coaches and referees, and building and upgrading football infrastructure in Africa. This contributes enormously to the quality of African football being globally competitive and as reasonable as the best in the world.

 

“CAF is committed to working together and assisting the Media during the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and at all future CAF competitions and events.”

 

The global TV-broadcast agreements that CAF has concluded include:

  1. SKY (UK)
  2. BBC (UK)
  3. BBC Radio (Africa)
  4. Band TV (Brazil)
  5. La Liga+ (Spain)
  6. Ziggo (Netherlands)
  7. Viaplay (Nordics)
  8. Sport Digital (Germany & Switzerland)
  9. Sport Klub (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia)
  10. SportItalia (Italy)
  11. SportTV (Portugal)
  12. Fancode (India)
  13. Saran (Turkey)
  14. Sport 5 (Israel)
  15. A1 (Bulgaria)
  16. Art Motion (Kosovo)
  17. JOYN PLUS 24 (Austria)
  18. Megogo (Ukraine, Poland and Kazakhstan)
  19. RFi (France)
  20. RMC radio (France)
  21. Silknet (Georgia)

 

AFCON 2023: ‘The Eagles have landed’

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AFCON 2023: ‘The Eagles have landed’

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles make a touchdown in Abidjan!

 

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Three-time champion Nigerians have arrived in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

 

The chartered aircraft that conveyed players and officials of the Super Eagles touched down at 11.23 am Cote d’Ivoire time (12.23 pm Nigeria time), with the contingent dressed in Nigeria’s traditional caftan attire with cap to match.

 

Their color and pomp matched the ambiance and flavor of the Send Forth ceremony organized for the team by the Lagos State Government on Tuesday night, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as chief host.

 

Also present were Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and members of the NFF Executive Committee, FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, First Lady of Lagos State Dr. Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, top officials of the Lagos State Government, Chairman and Board Members of the Lagos State Football Association, representatives of NFF Partners and Sponsors, some other corporate chieftains, some members of the NFF Management, former Nigeria captain Segun Odegbami, former Super Eagles’ star Ogenyi Onazi, former international and Chairman of Anambra State FA Chikelue Iloenyosi, leading artistes, top celebrities and influential personalities.  

 

 

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, told the audience that he has the assurance of the Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, and the top players that they are going on an onslaught for a fourth continental title in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

“I have spoken to the Head Coach and the Captain, and also a good number of the players, and they have assured me of their determination to push strongly for triumph in Cote d’Ivoire, thereby winning the trophy for a fourth time.”

 

He added that the NFF is very grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for approving funds for the team’s preparation and participation at the continental finals.

 

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that football is Nigeria’s most significant unifying factor, reiterating that “our peoples from different regions and religions, cultures, norms, and social and economic backgrounds come together to cheer our National Teams whenever they are playing. Football brings us all together.

 

 

“I am pledging to be personally present at the Africa Cup of Nations to support you. We know you are all geared to perform at the AFCON and make our country proud. We will give you all the support and encouragement that you require.”

 

Senator Enoh charged the players to approach each of their matches with the fabled Nigerian Spirit, with which they can always surmount obstacles, odds, and hurdles and achieve glory.

 

“With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation.

 

“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit you carry.”

 

Captain Ahmed Musa acknowledged the power of football. He stated that even though he knows the joy of winning the Africa Cup trophy, having been part of the squad that triumphed in South Africa in 2013, he eagerly anticipates another touch of the coveted trophy.

 

“We are ambitious, and we will do our best. The AFCON is an important tournament for every African player, and we look forward to giving our best to make the nation proud.”

 

The Confederation of African Football has scheduled a Wednesday afternoon photo shoot for the Super Eagles.

 

Lions of Chinguetti to break AFCON curse

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Lions of Chinguetti to break AFCON curse

Mauritania aiming to rewrite history in third attempt

 

 

Countdown to AFCON 2023 Presented by Ed Emeanua

 

Mauritania are looking to rewrite history in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, where they will be making their third appearance.

 

They are drawn in Group D alongside Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Angola and will be based in Bouake.

 

With this being their third appearance, Mauritania’s last two appearances in 2019 and 2021 ended in the group stages; they are looking at rewriting history by advancing further.

 

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Fixtures:

 

16 January

Burkina Faso – Mauritania: 14:00 GMT, Al Salam Bouaké Stadium.

 

20 January

Mauritania – Angola: 17:00 GMT, Salam Bouaké Stadium.

 

23 January

Mauritania – Algeria: 20:00 GMT, Salam Bouaké Stadium.

 

Road to Cote d’Ivoire

 

Mauritania finished second in the qualifiers with 10 points behind the leaders, the Democratic Republic of Congo, who finished with 12 points. The “Al Mourabitounes” scored eight goals and conceded 7 in their journey to Cote d’Ivoire.

 

The last match in the qualifiers was decisive in the qualification calculations when they took on Gabon, whom they overcame by 2-1 to seal their place in Cote d’Ivoire.

 

Player to watch: Abubakar Koita

 

Aboubakar Koita will be one of the most prominent “Al Mourabitounes” elements.

 

The 25-year-old has a solid scoring sense, which made him shine with his club, St. Trond, in the Belgian League, where he scored 11 goals in 20 matches this season.

 

Coach: Amir Abdo

 

Amir Abdo is among the coaches aspiring to write their names in golden letters on the continent. Abdo is a great motivator and believes in unity and team spirit.

 

TotalEnergies CAF AFCON record:

 

2019: First round

2021: First round

 

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