The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final venue has ignited significant discontent following its performance in recent matches. The Alassane Ouattara Stadium, situated in Ivory Coast, was constructed at a cost of approximately £200 million and opened its doors in 2020. However, this modern facility has come under fire due to ongoing issues with its pitch.
Stadium Controversy Ahead of AFCON Final
In early September 2023, a friendly match between Ivory Coast and Mali at the stadium faced cancellation due to severe weather. Heavy rainfall rendered the pitch unplayable, prompting a national outcry. The Minister of Sport, Claude Paulin Danho, publicly apologized following the abandonment.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) later attributed the poor drainage to algae on the field, which inhibited water absorption. Despite an additional £25 million allocated for improvements, concerns persisted about the pitch’s condition as AFCON commenced.
Impact on the Tournament
- AFCON 2024 has been rescheduled to early 2024, despite maintaining its 2023 branding.
- The stadium hosted four matches, including Ivory Coast’s opener against Guinea-Bissau, displaying ongoing pitch problems.
- Issues became apparent during the fixture between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, where prominent football figure Ian Wright criticized the surface’s state on social media.
This year marks the first time since 1984 that Ivory Coast hosts the AFCON tournament. Yet, the focus shifts to Morocco, the current hosts, as they seek their first AFCON title since 1976. They secured a spot in the final after overcoming Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout.
Looking Ahead
As the final approaches, spectators and officials remain anxious over the pitch conditions. In light of previous experiences, it is crucial that the Alassane Ouattara Stadium provides a suitable playing surface for the championship match.
Morocco will face Senegal in the decisive clash, and the performance in this historic event will ideally erase the community’s concerns about past infrastructure failures. Both teams aim to deliver a captivating finale to a tournament that has showcased talent and resilience despite earlier obstacles.
