by Silas Boahene | Jan 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Enthusiastic fans eager to attend matches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are facing disappointment as stadiums remain half-empty due to persistent ticketing problems. Although tournament organizers acknowledged initial issues during the opening match on Wednesday, they have yet to resolve the ongoing challenges hindering fans from accessing other matches.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) addressed the concerns in a press release, acknowledging printing issues during the initial days of the CAN due to last-minute bulk purchases of physical tickets. CAF asserted that the ticketing system has been adapted to accommodate such requests and is now “working well,” with over 60% of tickets sold through its online platform internationally.
The 2023 Africa Cup Organizing Committee (COCAN) explained that empty seats during Ivory Coast’s match against Guinea-Bissau were attributed to “dead seats,” characterized by reduced visibility or safety concerns. Adjusting for these seats, the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, with a 60,000-seat capacity, would have a useful capacity of 50,786 seats. However, reported attendance for the opening match was 36,858, despite previous announcements of a sold-out status.
Subsequent matches at the same stadium, featuring Nigeria against Equatorial Guinea, witnessed fewer than 10,000 fans in attendance, with empty seats also observed at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan during matches between Egypt and Mozambique, and Ghana and Cape Verde.
In Yamoussoukro on Monday, Cameroonian and Guinean supporters expressed fury over their inability to access matches despite available seats. Ivory Coast Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé assured on Monday that he would personally address the issue, promising results within 48 hours.
CAF confirmed its responsibility for ticket sales on Wednesday and, in collaboration with COCAN, encouraged local fans to explore the option of purchasing physical tickets at one of the 51 outlets in Ivory Coast.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has officially refuted recent rumors circulating on social media regarding the national football team currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FECAFOOT Secretary General Blaise Djounang dismissed claims of a purported quarrel between FA President Samuel Eto’o and Head Coach Rigobert Song. Additionally, Djounang clarified that there were no former football stars expunged from the Cameroonian delegation, as falsely propagated on social media.
Djounang emphasized the potential harm of such “crudely crafted fake news,” warning that it could destabilize the national team, its technical staff, and administrative support staff. He urged fans of the Indomitable Lions to exercise vigilance against misleading content and to seek information from reliable sources. FECAFOOT also called on social media users to contribute to maintaining the serenity of the situation through goodwill and a sense of restraint.
Cameroon kicked off their AFCON campaign on Monday with a draw against a 10-man Guinea.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Egypt’s manager, Rui Vitoria, offers insights into Mohamed Salah’s injury status after the Liverpool star was forced off during the Africa Cup of Nations match against Ghana. Salah, who left the field on the brink of halftime, is set to undergo scans to assess the extent of the issue. The manager expresses uncertainty about Salah’s availability for Egypt’s upcoming match against Cape Verde and hopes the injury is not a “big problem,” emphasizing that it’s too early to determine the seriousness of the situation.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Fans of Ghana’s ‘Black Stars’ faced disappointment on Thursday as the team settled for a 2-2 draw against Egypt. To secure advancement and avoid a second consecutive group-stage exit, Ghana must now emerge victorious in their upcoming crucial match against Mozambique.
The initial moments of the match saw the ‘Black Stars’ take the lead with a goal from Mohammed Kudus. Egypt faced a setback with Mohamed Salah sidelined in first-half stoppage-time, seemingly leaving them at a disadvantage. However, the Egyptians orchestrated a turnaround in the second half, surpassing the Ghanaians, leading to a final draw.
In Accra, fans expressed deep disappointment with the outcome. All eyes are now focused on the ‘Black Stars’ as they prepare for a decisive match on Monday, determining their fate in the tournament.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 19, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Stars, led by coach Chris Hughton and midfielder Mohamed Kudus, express frustration following an engaging 2-2 draw against Egypt in a pivotal Afcon clash. Despite a spirited performance by the West Africans, the outcome did not favor them, leading to visible disappointment from both Kudus and Hughton.
Playing in the English Premier League with West Ham, Kudus showcased a stellar performance in the 2-all stalemate as Ghana aimed for a crucial victory. Despite an improved display compared to their previous 2-1 loss to Cape Verde, Kudus openly shares his frustration with the result against Egypt
