AFCON, the tournament left fans anticipating its arrival for years on end. When it finally started, people traveled thousands of miles just to experience it live. The chants roared through the stadiums, the energy was high, and the tension and rivalries were even higher. The first whistle blew, and it all happened right here in the Ivory Coast, with the last one being 40 years ago in 1984.
What is AFCON?
AFCON, the men’s African Cup of Nations, is one of the most important national competitions in football. Originally started in 1957, it has gone from only three to twenty-four competing countries. African countries compete against each other every two years in order to receive a new star on their jersey, and of course, to take the golden trophy back home.
Of course, the players were also motivated because of the monetary prize. For winning the tournament: 7 million dollars and a villa per player. The second place team won 4 million, and two semi finalists won 2.5 million.
After a long awaited six months, due to climate and preparation difficulties, Ivory Coast hosted the AFCON for the second time in its history. AFCON 2023 was hosted in 2024 because of multiple delays.
The host country’s government spent a lot of money as well as time and effort, using 60 million dollars to fund it all. There were elaborate traditional Ivorian dances, performances, and music all throughout the championship to celebrate African culture and create a thrilling atmosphere for all involved.
Two stadiums were fixed and four of them were built just for the occasion, adding some additional time to the due date. These were spread all over the country in order to maximize the amount of fans being able to watch.
What was the vibe?
The vibe in Ivory Coast was unbeatable. With reminders of AFCON being put everywhere, it’s impossible not to join in on the fun. People were in a good mood, music boomed around the streets, inviting you to join the vibe as well. Banners and garlands of the participating countries’ flags hung.
Akwaba was supposed to be the official AFCON song, but it got completely dethroned by Coup du marteau. Even though this last one was made before the AFCON, it was not officially picked to be its anthem. Once Ivory Coast entered the quarter final, the song exploded with popularity with it being played on repeat, a fast-paced and energetic dance that came along with it.
Branding and beyond
The Elephants, Ivory Coast’s team, were represented and supported from all around the country. From flags, posters, bulletin boards, and jerseys seen every corner you turn, and even smaller details like shoes, hats and water bottles. Companies partnered to show a sign of support. Everywhere became a sea of orange, white, and green and people loved it.
Even juices have been marketed, such as the brand Kessie is an ambassador for, called Planet Kessie. This player is loved all over the country for his heroic actions of motivating the team during the latest games. Nicknamed ‘the President’ by his teammates, Kessie had a lot of weight over his shoulders, and managed to surpass it to prove his level in the team both mentally and physically.
Schools also participated in the fun, letting their students wear the jerseys instead of their uniform on match days, and letting them leave earlier or dismissing them from school completely.
Drama struck the host team
After an embarrassing loss at home, the Elephants’ coach Jean-Louis Gasset got fired, and it seemed to be the end of Ivory Coast’s journey in AFCON. Everyone was very surprised once the host team passed the group stage, and were left with no coach. Emerse Fae, Gasset’s assistant, had to step up in order to lead the Elephants’ to victory.
Although the Elephants’ had lost hope, they have ended up adding a new star to their crest. Emerse Fae led Ivory Coast to win the AFCON for the third time ever, and their first time at home, and was designated the best coach of the tournament after a spectacular performance of flipping the team around.