We waited for it, it was postponed, criticism was leveled against it. Legitimately or not. Today, we vibrate to its rhythm – The 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2023). The mobilization is perceptible both on the web and around the Olympic stadium. “We’ve been here since 5 a.m.!” For a match that takes place at 8 p.m.! »say supporters.
Didier Drogba’s call for CAN 2023, photo credit: Meta, Didier Drogba
Others, on their way to Ébimpé, or already there, share some images with their subscribers. From Quebec, my voicemail calls me “Abidjan is spoiled*! ».
Support for Elephants, on
Of the 10,000 kms that separate us, I feel the boiling. Even a temporary heavy rain lasting 1 hour did not succeed in dampening the enthusiasm. “A detractor’s mistake, he’s going to read the time*!” », some promise. As if to say, “You have criticism, come back later!” » For now, let’s give everything for our country. The emotion is there. To drive you crazy!
Côte d’Ivoire, for its part, has a meeting with Africa!
From north to south, from east to west, through the center. African people meet in Ivory Coast for her. Which of the 24 suitors will be able to steal her heart? For now, the majestic lady CAN sits in the heart of the country dear to Félix Houphouët-Boigny. The founding father. 40 years after him, his baby elephants are taking their fellow citizens on a new adventure. Waiting at the edge of the platform, the travelers, football fans, did not want to miss the train for this opening match – Ivory Coast – Guinea-Bissau.
My little message of support for the elephants, in the middle of the Quebec cold! 🙂
“There is a time for everything,” they say.
The time has come to celebrate these moments during the journey… Each in their own way, with fair play and the Ivorian joy of living. We have here a great opportunity for sharing, for cultural exchanges between African peoples. “24 teams, 522 players, more than 1000 accredited journalists and at least 1.5 million visitors”. A gold mine ! The richness of African diversity. Richness perceptible through the colors of the event.
CAN 2023 opening ceremony, photo credit: COCAN
On the one hand, the reflection of “the land of our central savannahs, the hope in union and in peace, the certainty of a better future, and on the other hand, the expression of the “courage of ancestors, power, wealth”. Yes, this is Ivory Coast. This is Africa!
Ivory Coast, this “people of the earth, people of inventors, engineers, architects of Africa who wake up, rise and rise! »
Excerpt from Didier Drogba’s speech
The literary attack of the legend Didier Drogba
The narration by icon Didier Drogba presented the profile of the host country very well. With words that carry within them the charge of hope that the world football star represents for the Ivorian and therefore African populations. His voice envelops the atmosphere of the stadium.
Each sentence is dressed in a jersey of serenity. They impose themselves by the force of the message they convey. Recalling the Ivorian potential, the power, the beauty of African unity.
This “people of the earth, people of inventors, engineers, architects of Africa who wake up, rise and rise! », “the solid bridge which unites men, cultures, civilizations. », “a people, a destiny forged by history and turned towards the future. »
“Giants of hospitality!” »
“Land of hospitality”, land of Goli, Zaouli, Boloye, wambélé and many others… Country of DJ Arafat, Chantal Taïba, Gadji Céli… nation dear to all proud Ivorians…
Beyond the Elephants, the former illustrious member of the national team is launching an appeal to all! “Believe in our dreams, transform a drop of rain into an ocean of possibilities. »
* Abidjan is spoiled: Ivorian slang to describe the high degree of good atmosphere in Abidjan.
* He will tell the time: An expression which sounds like a warning, in Ivorian slang.