MTN Ghana is the official headline sponsor of the Ghana Black Stars. The company has just announced a series of activities that will thrill Ghanaians during the 2024 African Cup of Nation (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast with unforgettable activities.

An All-expenses paid trip to Customers

This includes an all-expense trip to La Côte D’Ivoire to 163 customers and 5 employees. The trip is from 13th to 23rd January 2024 and will afford the selected customers the unique opportunity to watch the Ghana Group matches live and not on television or other streaming channels. This amazing offer comes as a special loyalty package to selected customers. A special ballot was held to select MTN Ghana employees for the trip. Customers and MTN employees who were selected were thrilled to have the opportunity to travel on an all-expenses paid trip to La Côte D’Ivoire for the tournament.

Juicy stories on Ayoba the Super -App

Through the Ayoba, the SuperApp, MTN Ghana will share regular updates from the camp of the Black Stars. This is one good reason why Black Stars fans and sports enthusiasts are encouraged to download the Ayoba app from the App Store or Google Play, so they don’t miss out on all the juicy stories from the camp.

Spreading the love of the Black Stars through Watch Parties

To make things better MTN in partnership with Max TV will host various watch parties in selected locations across the country. The watch parties will provide enhanced viewing experiences on wide screens, coupled with immersive build up activities such as cheerleading and trivia as well as exciting prizes and souvenirs from MTN.

MTN Ghana’s Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer said, “This is our way of celebrating our love for football and the unifying power it brings. We can’t wait to witness the passion and unwavering support of Ghanaians, both in the Ivory Coast and across the nation, as we cheer on the Black Stars to victory”.

MTN Ghana is the headline sponsor of the Black Stars. The company’s sponsorship deal which was signed last two years covered the Black Stars for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 African Cup of Nations in La Côte D’Ivoire.

MTN Ghana remains committed to leading digital solutions to drive Africa’s progress.

Source MTN

Defender Alexander Djiku was named Man of the Match as Ghana suffered defeat to Cape Verde in their opening Group B game at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Fenerbache centre-back worked hard and was on target for the Blacks Stars as Ghana lost 2-1 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Djiku was outstanding and by miles the most impressive player from both sides on the day.

Meanwhile, following a quick start by the Blue Sharks, Jamiro Monteiro opened the scoring in the 17th minute after pouncing on a Jovane Carbral strike.

After the break, Djiku levelled with a powerful header from a Jordan Ayew corner but Cape Verde left it late to grab the winner in injury time, Garry Rodrigues took advantage of a defensive mistake to slot home for Cape Verde.

The Black Stars will next face seven-time champions Egypt before ending their group with a tricky game against Mozambique.

Meanwhile Ghanaians have blasted the players for their poor performance.

Aside Dziku, the only other bright spots were Ashimeru, Paintsil and Semenyo.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Ghana forward, Jordan Ayew has called for unity and focus in the camp of the Black Stars for the rest of the group games of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The Black Stars opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde on Sunday night at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Speaking after the game, the Crystal Palace striker admitted that he is disappointed with the results but called for togetherness for the last two games against Egypt and Mozambique.

“I’m disappointed because I think we had the game in our hands. We always lack concentration of which our moment, scored two sloppy goals," he said.

"As a team, we need to back up quickly because we can’t always say that it’s a young team. We’ve been together for two years and is a tough night for us.

“We have two more games and we need to stay positive, we know we need to do it the hard way, we don’t have a choice now so we do it the hard and see the outcome,” he added.

The Black Stars, who now sit bottom of Group B will face the Pharaohs on Thursday, January 18 before wrapping up their group games against Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 22, 2024.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Cape Verde forward Ryan Mendes has expressed joy following his outfit triumph over the Black Stars in their Group B opener at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mendes was in action when the Blue Sharks inflicted a 2-1 win over the four-time African champions on Sunday night.

Eleven-years ago, the Black Stars defeated Cape Verde 2-0 during the AFCON tournament in South Africa. Mubarak Wakaso scored twice as the Black Stars secured victory in the encounter.

However, the 34-year-old, a member of the Cape Verde team that lost to Ghana at the time says the victory was a revenge for the defeat suffered in South Africa years back.

"The other time there were big more players like Asamoah Gyan, you know. It was difficult for us in South Africa but tonight like I told you we took our revenge and we need to continue like this because the target is to reach the next stage," he said after the match.

Cape Verde are on top of the table with three points after first round games in Group B.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars now find themselves in a challenging position in Group following the defeat. They are currently bottom on the table without a point.

The West Africa powerhouse will face Egypt on Thursday in their second group B clash.

Footballghana

The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kurt Okraku has commended MTN Ghana for its consistent commitment to the growth of football in Ghana.

Mr. Kurt Okraku made these remarks during a farewell dinner organized for the Black Stars ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, the AFCON 2024 tournament. He said, “We appreciate and acknowledge the immense contribution MTN Ghana has been giving to football in Ghana over the years and we can only urge you to do more to enable us to nurture talents whilst unifying the country”. He then presented a football and a jersey autographed by the players to MTN Ghana.

The event was graced by H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. He encouraged the players to give their best and bring the long-awaited victory to Ghana.

The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe extended best wishes to the Black Stars as they leave Ghana for the 34th edition of AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire. She said, “As headline sponsor, MTN is proud to stand beside the Black Stars on their journey through AFCON 2024. Our commitment to the senior national team is a testament of our belief in their Can-Do spirit and resilience. We will continue to support such national assignments that bring joy, unity, and a sense of pride to the country.”

“Let us all rally behind them in their quest to bring the cup home. We hope that the months of preparation will translate into victory that will resonate throughout the continent and beyond. We look forward to a tournament filled with unforgettable moments and shared glory’’, she added.

Some of the dignitaries who attended the event were the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah, the Sports Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, and Hon. Seth Adjei Baah, Chairman of Ghana Tourism Authority. Also present were the Black Stars management, technical team, and other GFA officials.

MTN Ghana is the headline sponsor of the Black Stars. The company signed a sponsorship deal with the GFA which covered the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, preparations for AFCON 2024, and the AFCON 2024 tournament in La Côte D’Ivoire.

As part of MTN Ghana’s initiatives to whip up the enthusiasm of supporters, MTN customers will receive regular updates from the camp of the Black Stars through the Ayoba Messaging app. As a special loyalty package, tickets have also been given to selected customers to watch some of the AFCON matches.

About MTN Ghana

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) is the market leader in the mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of exciting options under Pay As You Go, Pay Monthly and Mobile Financial Services. The company is part of the MTN Group which is a leading emerging market leader with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. Scancom PLC is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.

Source MTN

Over 160 Ghanaian fans, stakeholders, and football enthusiasts on Saturday morning departed Accra to Ivory Coast to support the Black Stars in the 2023 African Cup of Nations(AFCON).

This was courtesy of an all-expenses paid trip by telecommunications giants, MTN as part of their support to the senior national team to make the nation proud at the continental showpiece.

It was all joy as the lucky fans and staff of MTN, boarded an Emirates flight straight to Abidjan for the 10-day trip to support the national team.

It was also the largest number of supporters MTN was sending to any tournament.

The gesture essentially served as a dream come true for many fans who would for the first time have the opportunity to be at the AFCON and cheer the gallant Black Stars on in all their three group matches.

The package included Return Flight tickets via Emirates, accommodation for 10 nights with breakfast included each day, one additional meal per day, ground transportation within Abidjan, two days of tourism activities, match tickets for Ghana Group stage matches, and a token of airtime for roaming Per diem.

In an interaction with some of the customers, they expressed excitement about the trip and looking forward to new experiences.

Denzel Adjei, from Kumasi, said, “I am excited to be joining the supporters to cheer the Black Stars to victory. This is my first time going to the AFCON and looking forward to a wonderful experience.”

On his part, Eben Odame from Accra who was lucky to be part of the MTN-sponsored trip for the second time after the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, said, he was delighted to be going for the African Cup.

“This is my first time going to AFCON and I would like to try the popular Ivorian food, like Acheke,” he stated.

He added that he would be catching up with old school mates which would be additional fun.

“I hope the Black Stars go pass the group stages and make us proud. They have the quality to win the Afcon. Enough of the disappointment, they should bring back the love,” he stressed.

For Kojo Shaddy, a student in Accra, the reactions at the stadium would make his trip after watching the same on television for a long time.

“I have never been to a stadium before. So this is a grand opportunity provided by MTN for me to travel. It’s amazing,” he stated.

Abigail Amankwah who would also be at the tournament for the first time expressed gratitude to MTN for the opportunity, adding that she would relax and have a lot of fun hoping Ghana would bring the trophy home.

Also, Aisha Osman who would be at the tournament for the second time said, she could not wait to get to Ivory Coast to cheer the Black Stars on to victory.

“I hope they qualify to the next stage so we can continue to support them. Thanks to MTN,” she added.

The Black Stars would be hoping to lift the AFCON trophy for the first time in 42 years after several failed attempts.

With the support from MTN and other stakeholders, many fans would be expecting the team led by Andre Dede Ayew to bring the trophy home.

Source MTN

Ace Sports Journalist Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine who was honored by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana SWAG says he dedicates the Award to his colleagues and the young who are aspiring to become great stars and legends.

Speaking in an interview after receiving his plaque from the President of the Ghana Athletics, Mr. Bawah Fuseini he urged the youth not to rush but be patient by doing more research and be focused to be able to achieve their dreams.

Mr. Okine, the only sports journalist from Ghana at the 2020 Olympic Games and four other experienced Sports Journalists were given the Long Service Award.

Over 40 personalities including Mohammed Kudus (Sports Personality of the year / Footballer of the year), Jonathan Sowah (Local Best Footballer), Zaira Forson (Swimming), Felix Lartey (Table Tennis), Rose Yeboah (Athletics), Captain Rtd Andy Sam (Lifetime Achievement), Rev. E.D. Nikoi (Dedication & Valour), Evelyn Dzato (Discovery) Tahiru Haruna (Para Athlete) and others were honoured.

The top five sports federations were Athletics, Football, Tennis, Table Tennis and Boxing.

Mr. Gary Al Smith of Multi Media won the SWAG Journalist of the year.

The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, HE Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia presented the award which he has been sponsoring for the past three years, together with the Female Footballer of the year.

By Elizabeth A. Gyamfi

West Ham United midfielder Mohammed Kudus has been adjudged the Sports Personality of the Year 2023 at the 48^th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Center.

The amazing attacking midfielder has been in astonishing form for the last two years, earning a move to the Premier League from Ajax Amsterdam in Holland.

Kudus was Ghana's best player at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring two goals and providing an assist in three matches.

He helped the Black Stars qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he is expected to lead the country to success.

Aside the Sports Personality of the Year award, Kudus was also voted Footballer of the Year (Foreign).

The rising super star is winning the award for the second time running.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The year 2023 ended on a good note for some key stakeholders of the sweet science of boxing who put in great efforts to make the year a remarkable one and lift the sport of boxing to another level for global recognition.

Despite their efforts, Ghanaian boxers who had the opportunity to put the icing on the cake and raise the flag of Ghana high at global stages had it tough and fell short of becoming victorious.

Nevertheless, Boxinghana.com; the authentic media authority that covers and publishes news and highlights of Ghana Boxing and beyond just like in 2022 has recognized twenty four (24) individuals and institutions in 22 categories who were outstanding according to our followers and boxing fans consisting of Boxing Trainers/Coaches, Ring officials, Journalists, Boxers, Federation Administrators, etc to make it credible and authentic.

Votes were opened to the public on December 19 to December 25. Below are the Categories and their respective winners;

1. OUTSTANDING BOUT OF THE YEAR

Winner: Jerry Lartey versus Emmanuel Quartey.

The 6 rounds welterweight contest staged on October 7, 2023 ended up in a draw after a review. Quartey initially given as a split decision winner.

2. AMATEUR YOUTH BOXER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Caleb Mensah

Caleb was outstanding during the Greater Regional Boxing Competition, emerging champion and making it to the semifinals of the National Individual Championships.

3. AMATEUR ELITE YOUTH BOXER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Theophilus Allotey

Congratulations to you Theophilus Allotey, for being voted as the Amateur (Elite) Boxer of the Year. Theophilus won a Bronz medal during the All Africa Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.

4. JUVENILE BOXER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Wesley Ayi-Bontey

Congratulations Wesley. Ghanaians have recognized you for using your boxing skills to entertain all year round during the Greater Accra Juinor Competition, the Ghana Pro Boxing League and the Besesaka Boxeducation competitions.

5. BOXING FOR GOOD AWARD

Winner: Wisdom Boxing Promotions And Making Learning Happen

Back in August, four months ago, Wisdom Boxing Promotions in collaboration with Making Learning Happen organised a boxing event dubbed “A BOXING FUNDRAISER” where funds were raised to construct tables and chairs for schools in the Northern Region; creating jobs and promoting Education in the process.

6. BOXING GYM/ CLUB OF THE YEAR

Winner: Wisdom Boxing Gym

Wisdom Boxing Gym in the year under review have identified innovative ways to market boxing to Ghanaians.

Wisdom this year was voted the best Boxing Club at the Greater Accra Boxing Association Competitions. The club also ventured into Boxing Promotions.

Theophilous Allotey, a boxer from Wisdom was the only boxer to win a medal at the African Qualifiers.

7. FEMALE BOXER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Janet Acquah

Janet Acquach was part of the Black Hitters (Female National Team) that represented Ghana at the All Africa Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal being the only Hitter to record a win in Senegal. Congratulations for being voted Female Boxer of the year by followers of the sweet science.

8. OUTSTANDING PROMOTION OF THE YEAR

Winner: Wisdom Boxing Promotions

Congratulations to Wisdom Boxing Promotions for emerging as Outstanding Promotion of the year. With their two boxing events held in August and December which were dubbed ‘Fight for Education’ and Nshona Rave’ respectively, boxing fans have voted them as outstanding for the year. Fight for Education went a long way to supply desks in the Northern Region as Nshona Rave also introduced some form of entertainment with a variety of good food.

9. PROFESSIONAL BOXER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Stanley Nyantakyi

Osebor Boxing Management protege Stanley Nyantakyi aka Ashanti Warrior has been voted by boxing fans as Professional Boxer of The Year 2023. He has won 7 fights out of his 8 pro career fights which all happened this year. Coached by top notch trainer, Carl Lokko, the Ashanti Warrior aims to win a world title in the nearest future.

10. COACH OF THE YEAR

Winner: Lawrence Carl Lokko

The veteran boxing coach Carl Lokko needs not much introduction after his superb performance with his boxers before his exit from the Ghana Professional Boxing League. Coach Carl Lokko has been outstanding training eventual Professional Boxer of The Year Stanley Nyantakyi, to win 7out of his 8 all in this year alone.

Congratulations for being voted the Coach of the year.

11. BOXING WRITER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Sam Nana Gold

Sam Nana Gold; a boxing Writer, boxing commentator and ring announcer has been writing stories of both local and international boxing news across various websites which includes Boxinghana.com, ultimatesportsghana.com, anansesemmedia.com, among others.

It was a head to head tie situation between the young Sam Gold and veteran Sammy Heywood Okine who decided to withdraw for easy determination of the winner.

Congratulations to Sam Gold for being voted Boxing Writer of The Year by the fans who have been reading your stories.

12. TELEVISION OF THE YEAR IN BOXING

Winner: MAX TV

Max TV has been voted the Boxing TV Channel of the year by boxing fans for their constant airing of boxing programmes like the Ghana Professional Boxing League and Boxing Arena; a boxing show hosted by the GBA PRO, Mohammed Amin Lamptey.

Congratulations to MAX TV.

13. LEGACY/ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Azumah Nelson: Boxing Hall of Famer, Prof Azumah “Zoom Zoom” Nelson despite his numerous contributions made to Ghana Boxing, has continued to serve the nation; raising young champions through words of advice and his promotional syndicate, Azumah Nelson Boxing Promotions.

We celebrate you today and say Ayekoo! for the marvellous inputs you’ve made and continue to make.

Alhaji Inusah Salia: Boxing Ghana celebrates Alhaji Inusah Salia for being a pillar of morale and financial support for boxers, clubs and federations over the years. Your efforts have helped to keep boxing dreams alive and continuous to help produce boxing champions; the likes of Azumah Nelson, Isaac Dogbe and Bastie Samir. Recent boxers includes Samuel Takyi, Jessie Lartey, Patrick Aryee, Patrick Allotey, Jerry Lartey, Joseph Awinongya Jr and Sr, the Black Bombers, Duke Micah, Freddy Lawson etc.

Ambassador Ray Quarcoo: Boxing Ghana honours you for your contributions in the areas of Boxing administration and Talent development. As one of Ghana’s most successful sports administrators, your leadership as Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) President marked some of Ghana’s Golden years. Your commitment and dedication resulted in the production of several boxing champions like Ashia Laryea, Ike Quartey, Alfred Kotey, Osumanu Yahaya, Joshua Clottey, Emmanuel Clottey etc.

14. REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Winner: Greater Accra Boxing Association

The Greater Accra Boxing Association (GABA) has this year organised Boxing Championship events for the Junior (juveniles), Youth and Elite categories with the finals being organised during the GABA Homowo Boxing Championship. For the 2nd year running, the Greater Accra Boxing Association has been voted the Regional Association of The Year.

Congratulations to the Executive Board for their efforts.

15. BOXING PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Winner: Emmanuel Quartey

Emmanuel Quartey has been voted Boxing Personality of the year. Emmanuel is a professional boxer from the Bronx Gym with a pro career record of 6 wins out of 6 with 4 knockout wins. He is a rising boxer whose popularity shot high after the controversial decision of his bout with Jerry Lartey which was eventually voted Outstanding Bout of The Year.

Congratulations to you Emmanuel.

16. PROFESSIONAL REFEREE/ JUDGE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Erasmus Owoo

Referee Erasmus Dowuona Owoo has officiated over 50 professional fights this year with the most recent duty call in Dubai as referee between Hisham Osama Majed Elsimreen of Jordan and Hashmatullah Karimi of Afghanistan.

Congratulations for being voted Professional Referee/Judge of the year by the fans.

17. AMATEUR REFEREE/ JUDGE OF THE YEAR

Winner: Naa Amerley Turkson

Being the President of the Amateur Referees/ Judges, Naa Amerley Turkson cordinates them in officiating all the amateur bouts for both National and Regional as well as the Besesaska and Arena Show for Amateurs.

Congratulations for being voted The Amateur Referee/Judge of the Year.

18. MOST PROMISING BOXER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Adelaide Gabatey

Adelaide Gabatey is one of the promising boxers who was scouted during the Girls Box School Outreach and was called up to the National Team.

Adelaide has won the admiration of boxing fans for her commitment, skills and talent at the National Boxing Team’s training sessions as well as fighting in exhibition bouts with seniors who have been fighting for nearly a decade.

19. MATCHMAKER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Sarah Lotus Asare

Ghana’s first female Boxing Matchmaker, Sarah Lotus Asare has been voted as BoxingGhana Matchmaker of the year by boxing fans. She began her natchmaking career this year with her first matvh-ups fighting on August 26 and the second on December 22 with about 26 fights in all.

Congratulations for the recognition as Matchmaker of the year 2023.

20. BOXING PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Winner: Emmanuel Owusu-Eduomi

Congratulations to Emmanuel Owusu-Eduomi for being voted Boxing Photographer of the Year by the fans. Emmanuel has been behind the lenses for Max TV to bring you all the images and videos throughout the Professional Boxing League Bouts last year (2023).

21. BOXING FAN OF THE YEAR

Winner: Fadi Fattal

With the passion for the sport of boxing, the Director of IMAX Media Group, Fadi Fattal was solely nominated as Boxing Fan of the Year, with over 200 fans approving via the votes collated.

Congratulations to Group Director Fadi Fattal.

22. BOXING MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Winner: Sammy Heywood Okine

Sammy Heywood Okine aka General One has been voted Boxing Media Personality of the year by boxing fans who have been constantly following updates on social media. General One administors Friends of Boxing (FOB); a boxing page on Facebook where he constantly updates fans with the latest on Ghana Boxing.

Congratulations to all the winners, wishing all the nominees and winners the very best of 2024.

By Siegu Yaw Winfred Worlanyo

Ivory Coast's hosting of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will further accelerate the country's impressive rebound since its civil war ended in 2011, the Ivorian government hopes.

By its own admission, the government has invested at least $1 billion on hosting the tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, having built four new stadiums while renovating two others.

In addition, airports, roads, hospitals and hotels have been either constructed or upgraded in the five cities that will stage matches; Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and the capital Yamoussoukro.

In the West African nation's biggest rebuilding exercise since the civil wars of 2002-2007 and 2010-11, some of the massive spend stems from a $3.5bn loan taken out, external with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last April.

Yet with Ivory Coast ranked as the world's 138th richest nation out of 190 by the IMF, the outlay is a concern for some - even though Ivory Coast has experienced an average growth of 8% per annum since President Alassane Ouattara, a former IMF employee, took power in 2010.

"Ivory Coast is a poor country," Prao Yao Seraphin, an Ivorian economics professor, told BBC Sport Africa.

"As a result, President Ouattara has had to take out loans to finance this project, so we have to ensure the loans actually benefit Ivory Coast. The country will have to maintain the infrastructure.

"If we're not careful and don't think about creating events to boost revenues from our stadiums, I fear the country of the elephant will produce white elephants."

The term 'white elephants' - derived from an old Thai custom of giving such expensive-to-keep animals to the monarch - is regularly applied to costly infrastructure projects whose financial upkeep outweighs their usefulness.

So will Ivory Coast, once home to one of Africa's largest population of elephants and which takes its name from their tusks, suffer such a plight?

Not so - say the country's politicians.

After shelling out more than $1bn - with some media reports doubling this total - most investors might hope for a financial return but Francois Amichia, who runs the 2023 Nations Cup organising committee, says this was never the intention.

"When Ivory Coast decided to organise this Nations Cup, it was not to make money but to reposition itself," Amichia, a current Ivorian MP and a former sports minister, said in December.

"It was an opportunity to provide sports infrastructure - and I must remind you that no sports infrastructure had been built for years - with the Nations Cup allowing us to have four new and two refurbished stadiums in one go."

Some $79m, $84m, external and $113m, have been spent respectively on building new stadiums in Yamoussoukro, Korhogo and Abidjan, namely the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, while the refurbishment of Abidjan's Felix Houphouet-Boigny venue cost another $109m.

Originally constructed in 1964, the latter staged Nations Cup matches when Ivory Coast last hosted in 1984, with Bouake's stadium, built for those finals, the other stadium used.

While 24 training centres have either been built or refurbished in the five host cities, three 'Afcon cities' of 32 five-room villas have been constructed in Bouake, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro with a new 48-room hotel opening in Korhogo.

Hospitals in Korhogo and San Pedro have been respectively upgraded and built, with the two cities' airports - and Bouake's - also refurbished, while highways from Abidjan - both west to coastal San Pedro, and north to Korhogo - have been modified (among other road improvements elsewhere).

"Organising the competition has allowed us to improve transport links," added Amichia.

"We know that Ivory Coast went through a difficult period, which was not easy economically. But this Nations Cup has allowed Ivory Coast to equip itself with sporting and non-sporting infrastructure worthy of a developing country."

Meanwhile, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has been planning how to address the concerns held by the likes of Professor Seraphin over the costly new stadiums' future.

Having already hosted the Women's African Champions League in November (in Bouake and San Pedro), the Ivorians want to become a regional hosting centre - particularly for those countries whose national stadiums are unable to host internationals on safety grounds.

Used 27 times for 'home' games by such countries in both 2023 Nations Cup and 2026 World Cup qualifying, Morocco has been a popular destination - but Ivory Coast now wants some of the action too.

"We're going to ensure our country becomes the hub of West Africa in terms of football and sports competitions," said FIF president Idriss Diallo, pointing out athletics tracks at some stadiums.

"This will offer a space to all countries which do not have infrastructure approved by the Confederation of African Football and Fifa."

Though yet to be formally approved, a presentation that stadiums be opened to the public has been made by some within the government, arguing that a healthier population will reduce the burden on a state which introduced universal health coverage in 2019.

President Ouattara is keen to ensure regions not staging Nations Cup games also have decent sporting infrastructure, while a joint project with France is creating 10 mini-sporting complexes across Ivory Coast.

A 'great opportunity' for business

Since the end of the civil wars, which displaced more than a million people, Ivory Coast has surged financially.

Thanks to significant government investment and the strong performance of its two main experts - coffee and cocoa (with Ivory Coast the world's largest exporter) - the country's economy looks set to become West Africa's second biggest.

In 2013, the GDPs of Ivory Coast and Ghana were $43bn and $63bn respectively whereas the IMF's 2022 figures show the gap had closed, with the countries proclaiming GDPs of $70bn and $73bn (with both still significantly behind oil-rich Nigeria's $477bn.)

In the economic capital Abidjan, restaurateur Akouba Angola embodies recent Ivorian growth.

Having been overseas during the civil wars, Angola - who undertook an MBA in the United States while away - returned in 2017.

"I thought it was the right time to come back because the country was at peace and everything was going well," she told BBC Sport Africa. "Ten years ago, opening a business would have been a risk."

Though confident of success, she nonetheless professes surprise at how well things have gone - having opened five restaurants since 2021 - and is now hoping the Nations Cup can further fuel the Ivorian economy.

"The Nations Cup is a very great opportunity for business, because many people coming from overseas will discover what we're doing in Ivory Coast," she rallies. "For example, I want to open many franchises across Africa."

Abidjan accounts for roughly 80% of the country's economic product and, with the Nations Cup being hosted around the country, the hope is that San Pedro in the south, Yamoussoukro and Bouake in the centre and Korhogo in the north will start to close the gap.

A colourful, bold map showing the outline of Ivory Coast's borders with location markers showing the five host cities for Afcon with stadium names and capacities

"Korhogo, San Pedro, Bouake and Yamoussoukro will be in the spotlight and this can boost business," said Professor Seraphin of Bouake's Alassane Ouattara University, who believes the Nations Cup benefits will range from short- to long-term.

"The first short-term advantage is it will boost the attractiveness of Ivory Coast to private investors since the cameras will be on us," he explained.

"There'll also be a lot of business for traders, jobs will be created in hotels as we welcome all the visitors and tourism - which represents around 9% of our GDP - will be boosted."

Longer term, Seraphin believes the improved stadiums will give Ivorians a "new enthusiasm" to attend games, especially with new facilities such as restaurants and merchandising.

"So Korhogo, Bouake, Yamoussoukro and San Pedro will benefit from these stadiums as well as the improved hospitals and health facilities - and the country will benefit from these massive renovations to boost long-term growth," he said.

With the 2016 terror attack when militants killed 16 people at the beach resort of Grand Bassam, about 40km (25 miles) from Abidjan, still fresh, Seraphin believes failproof security as well as reduced congestion and matches without any complication will be key to any success.

"If we meet all these conditions, Ivory Coast will emerge as a great country and one that can capitalise on this competition for the better."

Image caption: Ivory Coast has only hosted one Nations Cup before - in 1984 - when the competition featured just eight teams

Source: BBC Africa