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During CAF’s Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, Motsepe expressed his gratitude to the Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara and Prime Minister Patrick Achi for the cooperation and commitment to ensuring that the tournament is world class.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has expressed satisfaction with the progress made by Ivory Coast in preparation for hosting the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
During CAF’s Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, Motsepe expressed his gratitude to the Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara and Prime Minister Patrick Achi for the cooperation and commitment to ensuring that the tournament is world class.
The AFCON will be played from January 13 to February 11, 2024, after pushing it forward from the tournament’s traditional mid-year slot after concerns over the rains in the region during that period.
Ivory Coast, the 2015 champions, is preparing to host the event for the first time since 1984 and has been actively investing in the construction and renovation of stadiums.
With just seven months remaining until kick-off, the country is making significant strides in ensuring top-notch facilities for the competition.
"We are confident that the AFCON organised here will be the best," Motsepe stated, conveying his assurance after a productive meeting with President Ouattara in Abidjan during a recent visit to the country.
"We are reassured by the different infrastructure that you have put in place to host this competition. I am satisfied with the progress made, even if there are still some problems to sort out," he added.
Among the stadiums currently undergoing development, three are nearing completion. The national stadium in Ebimpe, located just outside Abidjan, boasts a capacity of 60,000 spectators.
Additionally, the central city of Bouake will have a refurbished 40,000-seat venue, while Yamoussoukro will offer a 20,000-capacity ground.
Two other stadiums, with capacities of 20,000 each, in San Pedro and Korhogo are between 60 and 70 percent finished, according to the government office overseeing the projects.
CAF also announced the draw for the tournament will be conducted on Thursday, 12 October 2023, further building anticipation among football fans across the continent.
The race towards the 2023 AFCON is shaping up nicely with two matchdays still to be played in the qualifiers, as six teams have so far confirmed their places in the flagship tournament.
Holders Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Morocco and Burkina Faso have joined hosts The Elephants in the line up for the tournament which has now been confirmed to start in January 2024.
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