Elephants’ AFCON double of victory and celebration...

Elephants’ AFCON double of victory and celebration of new stadium

Zim Now Writer

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, under the gleaming lights of the newly-built Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

The days of single-city tournaments are gone, replaced by a 24-team extravaganza spanning two magnificent arenas.

Le Felicia, the former national stadium, now basks in a nostalgic glow, while its younger sibling takes centre stage.

President Ouattara, flanked by fellow dignitaries and footballing bigwigs, revelled in the 200 million Euro ode to his leadership.

His celebratory call, “Let the party begin!” echoed through the pre-game festivities, electrifying the atmosphere.

And electrifying it was. The energy translated onto the pitch as Cote d'Ivoire, fueled by home-ground advantage, struck early.

Seko Fofana's fourth-minute thunderbolt sent the nation into raptures, the jubilant roar reaching even the bustling bamboo lounge of Restaurant L'Ambassadeur, a stone's throw from Le Felicia.

But the script wasn't destined for a one-sided show. Guinea-Bissau, despite their underdog status, roared back, silencing the Ivorian drums with their dynamic play.

Grunts and groans replaced cheers as the Elephants struggled to contain the Djurtus.

Missed Bissauan chances and Fofana's near-second half wonder strike kept the tension at fever pitch. Finally, Jean-Philippe Krasso's acrobatic finish in the 59th minute brought a wave of relief and cautious optimism

The party wasn't quite on, not yet. Guinea-Bissau continued to threaten, reminding the Elephants that victory wouldn't come easily.

Then the final whistle blew, sparking post-match celebrations and echoing Ayman Khalil's sentiment: "It's a time for happiness."

For Khalil and others, the match was more than just football. It was a symbol of a nation moving forward, leaving the scars of civil war behind.

Le Felicia will witness another chapter of the tournament Sunday, while the Elephants lock horns with Nigeria on January 18th at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

One thing's for sure: with this victory, the party in Abidjan has just begun, and who knows how long it will last?