The drums are beating in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, as the continent braces for the biggest football party of the year - the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 13th, when the tournament ignites with a fiery clash between hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau.
A Blast from the Past:
This marks Ivory Coast's second turn hosting the AFCON, the first way back in 1984. Back then, only eight teams competed over 15 days, a stark contrast to the 24-nation extravaganza we're about to witness. While Cameroon emerged victorious in '84, Ivory Coast couldn't replicate their home-field advantage, bowing out after the group stage despite a victory over Togo.
Bigger, Better, Bolder:
Fast forward 40 years, and the AFCON has transformed into a behemoth. Get ready for 52 matches spread across 30 days, with 36 group-stage battles and 16 knockout clashes promising nail-biting action. Abidjan will be the epicentre, hosting 20 matches in two stadiums, while Bouake, San Pedro, Yamoussoukro, and Korhogo will also see their share of the action.
The brand-new 60,000-seat Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan will be the stage for the opening ceremony and the grand finale on February 11th. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Four more stadiums, each with a capacity of 20,000 or more, have been built or renovated specifically for this tournament, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere across the country.
The Nitty-Gritty:
- Head-to-head records, goal difference, and then total goals scored will separate teams tied on points in the group stage.
- If all else fails, a lottery will determine final placings, just like it did for Guinea in 2015.
- VAR will be the eagle eye, watching over all 52 matches.
- Extra time and penalties will decide the fate of drawn knockout matches.
- The top six group winners, six runners-up, and four best third-placed teams will battle it out in the round of 16.
- A record prize of seven million dollars-$7m-awaits the champions, a 40% bump from the previous tournament.
Squads and Selection:
Teams can bring up to 27 players, but only 23 can be named for each match.
Ready, Set, Celebrate!
The stage is set for a month of footballing fireworks, cultural exchanges, and continent-wide unity. So, grab your vuvuzelas, paint your faces, and get ready to cheer for your favourite team as the AFCON fever grips Ivory Coast and beyond!
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