The head of African football expressed confidence that this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast will avoid the tragedy that unfolded in Cameroon last year.
Speaking to reporters Saturday in Abidjan, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe said “I am satisfied the appropriate steps have been taken to make sure we will totally avoid the painful experience we had in Cameroon.”
Motsepe’s remarks come on the eve of the 2023 tournament kicking off Sunday in Ivory Coast. His comments reference the deadly crush that occurred at 2022 AFCON, killing eight people outside Olembe Stadium in Yaounde during a last-16 match between Cameroon and Comoros.
In the aftermath of that incident, CAF conducted thorough reviews of all stadiums and safety protocols for this year’s competition. Additional measures have been implemented by Ivorian organizers to prevent crowding and ensure spectator safety.
Motsepe indicated these steps have given him confidence that this AFCON will not see a repeat of the Cameroon tragedy. With the opening match between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau approaching, CAF appears satisfied with preparations.
The Ivorian government has invested around $1.5 billion in improving infrastructure as it prepares to host the tournament for the first time since 1984.
That has included the construction of the 60,000-capacity Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, on the northern outskirts of Abidjan, which will host Saturday’s opening game as well as the final on February 11.
There will be some 17,000 police and soldiers deployed during the month-long tournament to ensure security.
“The Cameroon accident was absolutely avoidable,” admitted Motsepe, the South African who became CAF president in March 2021.
“For as long as I am president, whether I know or don’t know, whether I am aware or not aware, I ultimately have to take responsibility for anything that happens.
He added of Côte d’Ivoire’s preparations: “I am satisfied that there is a huge amount of determination and commitment and I think we are on the right track.”
The 24-team tournament will see matches staged in six stadiums in five cities, with two venues in economic capital Abidjan and others in the capital Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro and Korhogo.
However, the memories of what happened in Yaounde will weigh heavy when the first whistle blows Saturday.
